Igbo traders operating in a Lagos market have staged a protest over the alleged direct sale of goods to consumers by some Chinese nationals, calling on the government to intervene and protect local businesses.
The traders accused some Chinese-owned businesses of engaging in retail activities, which they claimed should be restricted to wholesale or other categories of business permitted under existing Nigerian regulations.
According to the protesters, the alleged practice has intensified competition for indigenous traders who depend largely on retail sales for their livelihoods.
They further claimed that some of the affected businesses are able to sell certain products at prices that local retailers struggle to match, raising concerns over the survival of small and medium-sized businesses in the market.
The traders called on relevant government agencies to investigate the allegations and determine whether the businesses involved are operating within the terms of their permits and in compliance with Nigerian laws.
They also urged the authorities to ensure that foreign-owned businesses operating in Nigeria are subject to the same applicable regulations as indigenous businesses.
The protesters stressed that their action was not directed against legitimate foreign investment or Chinese nationals doing lawful business in Nigeria.
Rather, they said they were seeking government intervention over what they described as unfair competition and possible breaches of regulations governing retail operations.
The traders appealed to the Lagos State Government and relevant federal agencies to urgently engage with all parties involved and find a lasting solution to the dispute.
The protest comes amid wider concerns among some Nigerian traders about increasing competition from foreign-owned businesses in major commercial centres across the country.
The traders urged the governments to balance the interests of foreign investors with the need to protect local entrepreneurs and preserve livelihoods in Nigeria’s informal and small-business sector.
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