Nigerian traders protest Chinese retail competition in Lagos market

Nigerian traders at the Lagos Trade Fair Complex staged a protest against Chinese nationals' alleged shift from wholesale to retail trading, claiming the practice threatens local businesses. The demonstration, which took place on September 15, 2026, saw protesters carry placards with messages such as "The Chinese must go" and "They should go far from our market environment." The protest occurred at the Auto Spare Parts and Machinery Dealers Association section of the complex. Traders accused Chinese vendors of bypassing traditional distribution channels by selling directly to consumers at prices local retailers could not match. One trader alleged that Chinese vendors copy customer numbers from waybills and slash prices below what local importers can offer. Lagos State Police described the incident as the work of a "few miscreants" and "disgruntled fellows." Area E Commander Assistant Commissioner of Police Chike Oti assured Nigerians and foreign investors that peace and security had been restored. "This is just the handiwork of a few miscreants, a few disgruntled fellows in the market, a handful of them that went the other way," Oti said.