Trade Fair Market Returns to Normal as Police Move Against Protesters

Normalcy has returned to the International Trade Fair Complex in Ojo, Lagos, following a protest by local traders over the alleged participation of Chinese nationals in retail trading.

The Lagos State Government and the state Police Command gave the assurance on Thursday, saying traders, foreign investors and members of the public could continue their activities at the complex without fear.

The police, meanwhile, said efforts were ongoing to identify and apprehend those who allegedly took part in the demonstration.

The protest reportedly occurred at the Auto Spare Parts and Machinery Dealers Association (ASPMDA) section of the complex, where some Nigerian traders displayed placards demanding an end to Chinese involvement in retail activities.

The traders reportedly complained that some foreign retailers were allegedly bypassing established distribution channels and selling directly to consumers at prices they regarded as unfair competition to local businesses.

But following an assessment of the situation, the Area E Commander of the Lagos State Police Command, Assistant Commissioner of Police Chike Oti, said the complex remained peaceful and secure.

“I want to assure all Nigerians and foreign investors that there is peace, security, and tranquillity within the complex,” Oti said.

According to him, the demonstration was carried out by only a small group of people, whom the police were working to identify and arrest.

“This is just the handiwork of a few miscreants, a few disgruntled fellows in the market—a handful of them that went the other way.

“They have been cautioned and arrests will be made as soon as possible. There’s no problem; everything is peaceful, okay, and calm,” he said.

Security Agencies Assess Situation

Chairman of Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Area, Prince Lanre Sanusi, said the police, Department of State Services and Nigeria Immigration Service had jointly assessed developments at the Trade Fair Complex.

Sanusi dismissed suggestions of an ongoing confrontation between Nigerian and Chinese traders, saying the situation remained under control.

“We are just here to let the community, Lagosians, Nigerians, and everybody around the world know that here in Amuwo-Odofin, Trade Fair Market, ASPMDA, we don’t have any problem between the traders—Chinese and the Nigerians here. Everything is fine,” he said.

Also speaking, ASPMDA President Nnamdi Emechebe said market leaders had engaged stakeholders in meetings aimed at resolving grievances and curbing misinformation arising from the protest.

He described the incident as minor and said it was quickly brought under control.

“You know, the news has gone very viral. We even held further meetings this morning to harmonise all issues. I’m assuring the rest of the world and Nigerians at large that there’s no issue in ASPMDA Plaza,” Emechebe said.

Emechebe said the association would continue working to preserve peace and ensure that trading activities remained uninterrupted.

The police, however, warned that violent disruptions and unauthorised attempts to shut down market operations would not be allowed.

The command said it would sustain a visible security presence at the Trade Fair Complex to safeguard lives, property and commercial activities.

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