Lagos Trade Fair Traders Lament Losses, Demand FG Intervention Over Takeover Plan
Traders at the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex have lamented the potential impact of the proposed takeover of the market’s management by state and local government authorities.
The complex, known for large-scale wholesale trading, particularly in auto spare parts, as well as international trade exhibitions, is regarded as one of the busiest commercial centres in Nigeria.
Earlier on today, activities at the market were disrupted after traders shut down the complex, bringing business operations to a halt. The traders said the action was to protest the proposed takeover, expressing fears that additional levies and taxes could be imposed on them, a development they warned could threaten their businesses.
A trader Basirat Shittu, lamented that the ongoing situation at the complex has negatively affected her daily sales.
Shittu, who deals in perishable food items such as tomatoes and pepper, said business had been unusually slow because her customers, mainly shop owners within the complex were unable to operate normally.
According to her, the disruption has made it difficult for traders like her to make sales for the day.
She appealed to the Federal Government of Nigeria to urgently intervene and resolve the issue in the interest of traders whose livelihoods depend on daily sales.
“The economy is already difficult, and this small source of livelihood is what many of us depend on,” she said.
Chijioke Uche, expressed concern that a possible takeover by the Lagos State Government could lead to increased financial burden on traders.
Uche said traders in the complex were already paying various taxes and levies and feared that additional charges could be introduced if the state government assumes control of the market.
“We have been paying taxes and levies already. If the Lagos State Government succeeds in taking over, we will pay more, and that will have an effect on the average trader,” he said.
He warned that any increase in levies could further strain traders who are already grappling with difficult economic conditions.
Another trader who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the closure of shops had already resulted in significant financial losses for traders in the complex.
The trader explained that many business owners were forced to shut their shops to draw the attention of the authorities to their concerns.
“For the fact that we did not open today, we have lost a lot of money. We are pleading with the Federal Government of Nigeria to intervene in this issue. We had to shut down our shops and stores today to appeal to the government,” the trader said.
According to the source, the impact of the situation goes beyond traders within the complex, as many customers and other traders who depend on them for supplies were also unable to purchase goods.
“Our customers could not buy goods today, and traders who buy from us to resell are also affected. We will not suffer the effects of this alone,” the trader added.
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