The Lagos State Police Command has downplayed a recent protest at the Trade Fair Complex along the Lagos-Badagry Expressway, describing the demonstration involving local traders and Chinese merchants as the handiwork of a few disgruntled miscreants.

 

Security agencies confirmed that peace and security have been restored to the commercial hub, with several individuals questioned and arrested in connection with the disruption.

 

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### Security Agencies & Market Officials React

 

Speaking after a joint security inspection of the complex, police officials assured the public and foreign investors that business operations across all sections of the market remain calm and uninterrupted.

 

> *"It was the handiwork of a few miscreants, a few disgruntled fellows in the market, a handful of them that went the other way, and they have been questioned and arrested. There is no problem. Everything is peaceful, and there was no fight at all,"* the police stated.

 

Echoing the police's assessment, Mr. Nnamdi Ngozi Emechebe, President of the Auto Spare Parts and Machinery Dealers Association (ASPMDA), clarified that the incident was a minor, isolated protest that was immediately contained before viral social media reports exaggerated the situation.

 

> *"We are just here to let the community, Lagosians, Nigerians, and everybody around the world know that here at Trade Fair Market, we don't have any problem between Nigerian traders and Chinese merchants. Everything is fine,"* market leadership affirmed.

 

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### Chinese Business Community Speaks

 

Representatives of the Chinese trading community at the complex also confirmed that shops have reopened and commercial activities have returned to normal.

 

Highlighting Nigeria's vast commercial opportunities, a Chinese merchant encouraged customers and business partners to continue visiting the market without fear:

 

> *"Nigeria is a very big market, and everyone can find opportunities here. Every day we are open and doing business peacefully,"* she noted.

 

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### What Triggered the Agitation?

 

While security officials and trade executives emphasize that order has been restored, underlying friction stems from concerns raised by local retailers regarding the operational scope of foreign traders.

 

* **Retail vs. Wholesale:** Nigerian traders expressed concern that some Chinese merchants—traditionally operating as manufacturers or major importers—were opening direct retail outlets within the market.

* **Price Undercutting:** Local retailers argued that direct selling by foreign importers undercuts middlemen and makes it difficult for local businesses to compete.

* **Ongoing Dialogue:** Trade fair authorities and government representatives are holding joint stakeholder meetings to establish clear regulatory guidelines, protect local distribution chains, and maintain a fair trading environment for all parties involved.