Police Vow Arrests After Traders Protest Chinese Retailers at Lagos Trade Fair

Lagos State Police Command has warned that arrests will follow a protest by Nigerian traders against the alleged expansion of Chinese businesses into retail trading at the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex.

The demonstration, which took place on Monday at markets within the complex along the Lagos-Badagry Expressway, including the Auto Spare Parts and Machinery Dealers Association (ASPAMDA) area, saw groups of traders—many of them Igbo—marching with placards reading “Chinese must go,” “They should go far from our market environment and not be taking our customers,” and “This is a peaceful protest.” Videos circulating on social media showed the protesters chanting and expressing frustration over what they described as unfair competition.

The traders alleged that Chinese nationals and businesses, who initially operated mainly as manufacturers or wholesalers supplying goods to local distributors, have increasingly moved into direct retail sales. They claimed these competitors import products straight from China, sell at lower prices that local retailers cannot match, and in some cases solicit customers using contact details obtained from waybills. Protesters said this practice is eroding their customer base, reducing sales, and threatening the survival of indigenous businesses that rely on the traditional middleman model of importing and distributing.

One trader, speaking in a video shared widely online, stressed that the action was peaceful and not directed at harming Chinese nationals or damaging property. “We are not saying we are going to beat the Chinese or spoil their warehouse. If any of us spoils anything here, the person will pay for it,” the trader said, while warning that continued expansion into retail could force many local shops out of business within a few years. Some protesters reportedly told Chinese shop owners that after clearing existing stock, further imports for retail would not be permitted.

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Police and market authorities moved quickly to contain the situation. Area ‘E’ Commander ACP Chike Oti described the protest as the handiwork of a few “miscreants” and “disgruntled fellows.”

He said those involved had been cautioned and that arrests would be made, while assuring the public and foreign investors that the complex remained peaceful with no violence or clashes reported. “There’s no problem. Everything is peaceful. There was no fight at all,” Oti stated during a briefing at the market.

The leadership of the Traders Association, local government officials, and security agencies intervened, leading to the suspension of the protest. Association Secretary Juventus Okpala-Okaka said steps had already been taken to address concerns and that the matter had been resolved following the intervention. Chinese community representatives at the market also emphasised the value of peaceful coexistence and ongoing business relations.

The incident has sparked wider debate. Social commentator VeryDarkMan criticised the protesters, arguing that Nigerian traders need to adapt to global competition and improve local production rather than demand the exit of foreign competitors. He questioned what would happen if China restricted visas for Nigerians who travel there to source goods, noting the country’s heavy reliance on imports. Other voices, including media personality Do2dtun and public officials, accused the demonstrators of selective outrage, pointing to Nigerians trading abroad and past complaints about treatment of Nigerians in other countries.

The dispute highlights growing tensions in Nigeria’s import-dependent retail sector.

Chinese exports to Nigeria have risen significantly in recent years, and the traditional division—where Chinese firms supplied goods while Nigerian traders handled distribution and retail—is increasingly blurred as some foreign businesses establish direct retail operations.

Market leaders and security agencies have called for dialogue and adherence to regulations to prevent further unrest while protecting legitimate investment.