Activities at the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex were brought to a halt after traders closed down the facility while staging a protest against a proposed move for state and local government authorities to assume control of the market’s management.
The traders expressed worries about what the new arrangement might mean for them, particularly the possibility of additional levies and taxes that could negatively affect their businesses.
Several traders maintained that the complex is a federal property and urged authorities to hold broader consultations before implementing any alteration to its management structure.
As a result of the protest, shops throughout the complex were shut, with hundreds of traders seen gathered around parks and garages within the market premises while discussions continued.
The ASPANDA Market inside the complex—recognized as one of the largest spare parts markets in Lagos—was also impacted by the shutdown.
According to eyewitnesses, traders began the protest early in the morning by locking their shops and stalls in an effort to draw attention to their concerns over the proposed changes.
“We are not against development, but we are concerned about the possible levies and taxes that may be introduced if the management structure changes,” a trader who gave his name as Emeka Onu said.
Meanwhile, Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole, visited the market later in the day in a bid to engage with traders and encourage them to reopen the complex.
Before beginning her tour of the market, the minister called for the gates of the complex to be opened to traders, explaining that her visit was intended to interact with stakeholders and support the smooth running of business activities.