Lagos State authorities have assured residents and foreign investors of peace and security at the Trade Fair Complex, following a protest by some traders over the alleged involvement of Chinese nationals in retail trading.
Traders at Lagos Trade Fair Complex stage protests demanding regulation of Chinese nationals engaging in local retail trade, prompting police intervention and security deployment to maintain commercial order across local marketplaces. pic.twitter.com/AfzPpgUCyK
— Better9jablog (@Better9jablog) September 16, 2026
The Lagos State Police Command described the incident as the handiwork of a few miscreants and disgruntled individuals.
The Area E Commander, ACP Chike Oti, said those involved had been cautioned, adding that arrests would be made where necessary.
He also assured Nigerians and foreign investors that the Trade Fair Complex remained peaceful.
Chairman of Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Area, Prince Lanre Sanusi, said security agencies, including the police, Department of State Services and Nigeria Immigration Service, were at the market to assess the situation.
Sanusi said there was no problem between Nigerian and Chinese traders operating at the complex.
Also speaking, President of the Auto Spare Parts and Machinery Dealers Association, ASPMDA, Hon. Ngozi Emechebe, described the incident as a minor protest that was brought under control immediately.
Lagos police say a protest at Trade Fair Market against Chinese traders was just a few angry people stirring trouble — not a market war. Arrests have been made. Officials, traders, and a Chinese seller all insist: no fight, shops are open, business is back. Nigeria remains a big… pic.twitter.com/ezR7AtdDLn
— kolaqhazim (@Kolaqhazim) September 16, 2026
Emechebe said the incident had gone viral on social media, prompting the market leadership to hold another meeting to address and harmonise issues arising from the protest.
She assured Nigerians and the international community that the association remained highly organised and that the situation was under control.
Meanwhile, a representative of the Chinese community at ASPMDA said Chinese traders were continuing to conduct their businesses peacefully at the market.
She described Nigeria as a good business environment and said the Chinese business community remained happy doing business in the country.
