Command says situation is peaceful, warns protesters of possible arrests
The Lagos State Police Command has described the recent protest by traders at the Lagos Trade Fair Complex over the activities of Chinese retailers as the action of a few “miscreants” and “disgruntled fellows.”
The command said those involved had been cautioned and would be arrested, while assuring Nigerians and foreign investors that normal business activities had continued peacefully at the complex.
The Area ‘E’ Commander of the Lagos State Police Command, ACP Chike Oti, stated this on Tuesday during a briefing at the Auto Spare Parts and Machinery Dealers Association market within the Trade Fair Complex.
Oti spoke alongside the Chairman of Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Area, Prince Lanre Sanusi, officials of ASPMDA, representatives of other security agencies and members of the Chinese community.
Police: No Fight at Trade Fair Complex
The police commander said there was no physical confrontation at the market, describing the situation as calm and under control.
“I want to assure all Nigerians and foreign investors that there is peace, security and tranquillity within the complex.”
He said the protest was limited to a small group of individuals, adding that security agencies had taken note of those involved.
“This is just the handiwork of a few miscreants, 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.”
Oti added, “There’s no problem. Everything is peaceful. There was no fight at all. Everything is okay, peaceful and calm.”
Traders Protest Chinese Retail Activities
The protest took place after some Nigerian traders raised concerns over the activities of Chinese nationals operating within the Trade Fair Complex.
The traders alleged that some Chinese businesses were moving beyond wholesale operations into direct retail sales, a development they said was putting local retailers under pressure.
According to the protesters, Chinese operators who import goods directly from China are able to sell at prices that local retailers find difficult to match.
Some protesters reportedly called for Chinese vendors to stop retail trading within the market, with placards carrying messages including “The Chinese must go.”
ASPMDA: Protest Was Minor
However, the President of ASPMDA, Nnamdi Ngozi Emechebe, described the incident as a minor protest which was quickly brought under control.
Emechebe said the market leadership had also held a meeting on Tuesday to address concerns arising from the incident.
“What happened here yesterday is a minor protest, which was brought under control immediately. But, you know, the news has gone very viral.”
He said the association had taken steps to address misinformation surrounding the incident and assured traders, Nigerians and international observers that there was no crisis within ASPMDA Plaza.
“So, I’m assuring the rest of the world and Nigerians at large that there’s no issue in ASPMDA Plaza. We are a highly organised trade association, so everything is under our control.”
The police and market authorities consequently urged traders and other stakeholders to remain calm and resolve outstanding concerns through dialogue.
