Traders operating within the Lagos Trade Fair Complex along the Lagos-Badagry Expressway are protesting alleged involvement of Chinese nationals in retail trading.
The traders, who staged a peaceful demonstration at some markets within the area, warned that the development could undermine the survival of indigenous businesses, accusing them of moving beyond wholesale operations to sell directly to consumers.
The traders carried placards with inscriptions such as: “Chinese Must Go,” “They should go far from our market environment and not take our customers,” and “This is a peaceful protest.”
One of the protesters who spoke on behalf of others, complained that their major concern was the alleged practice of Chinese vendors selling goods directly to customers who ordinarily would have patronised local retailers.
He said many Chinese nationals initially came into the country primarily to engage in wholesale trading but have gradually expanded into retail business.
He alleged that their financial strength, direct access to manufacturers and established connections in China enabled them to import goods at lower prices, putting local traders at a competitive disadvantage.
The trader made it clear that the protest was peaceful and that the demonstrators had no intention of attacking Chinese nationals or damaging their shops, warehouses or other property.
He said, “We are not saying we are going to beat the Chinese or destroy their warehouses.
“What we are saying is that the relationship between us and the Chinese is important to us, but they should not take over our businesses.”
He further alleged that some Chinese traders had begun renting shops and establishing warehouses within the market while competing directly with local retailers.
The traders further alleged that Chinese traders also obtain customers’ details through waybills and subsequently approach such customers directly, making it increasingly difficult for local traders to retain their businesses.
He added that the ability of Chinese importers to bring goods directly from China enabled them to sell at prices local retailers could not easily match.
“If you import goods, they reduce their prices below ours and sell directly to our customers. Is this how we will continue? Our forefathers who did this business before us, was this how they operated?” he asked.
The trader warned that if the situation was allowed to continue unchecked, many local businesses could eventually collapse.
He said, “If this continues, five years from now, your shop may be taken away from you.”
The protest comes amid broader concerns in parts of Africa over competition between local businesses and foreign-owned enterprises, particularly where foreign operators are accused of moving into sectors traditionally dominated by indigenous traders.
The Lagos protesters, however, emphasised the peaceful nature of their demonstration, distancing their action from xenophobic incidents witnessed in parts of South Africa, where attacks against foreign nationals, including Nigerians, have occurred during periods of heightened tensions over economic competition.
The traders called for measures to ensure that foreign investors and businessmen operate within the relevant regulations while allowing local retailers to remain competitive in the marketplace.
