Traders Lock Down Lagos Trade Fair Complex in Protest Against Government Takeover Plan

Hundreds of traders brought activities at the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex to a standstill on Wednesday, shutting their shops and stalls in a coordinated protest against a proposed transfer of the market’s management to state and local government authorities.

The traders, who maintain that the complex is a federal facility, expressed alarm over the potential financial consequences of the management shake-up — particularly the introduction of fresh levies and taxes they fear could cripple their businesses.

“We are not against development, but we are concerned about the possible levies and taxes that may be introduced if the management structure changes,” said Emeka Onu, one of the traders who participated in the protest.

By morning, shuttered shops stretched across the vast complex, with crowds of traders spilling into parks and garages as tensions simmered and informal discussions took place. The ASPANDA Market — one of West Africa’s largest spare parts trading hubs, located within the complex — was among the hardest-hit sections.

Traders are calling for broader consultations before any structural changes to the facility’s governance are set in motion.

The disruption drew a high-profile response. Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole, made a personal visit to the complex, appealing for calm and urging that the gates be reopened to allow business to resume. The minister said her visit was intended to engage directly with stakeholders and signal the government’s commitment to maintaining a functional trading environment.

It remains unclear whether her intervention was enough to fully resolve the standoff.