Lagos traders protest alleged Chinese nationals’ involvement in retail trading

Some traders in Lagos have staged a protest against the alleged involvement of Chinese nationals in retail trading, claiming the development is affecting the survival of local businesses.

The protest was held at markets within the Lagos Trade Fair Complex along the Lagos-Badagry Expressway.

Videos circulating on social media showed the traders carrying placards with messages including “Chinese must go” and calling on Chinese nationals to stop selling directly to their customers.

One of the protesters said Chinese nationals initially came to Nigeria for wholesale trading but had expanded into retail, giving them an advantage over local traders because of their access to resources and direct connections to suppliers in China.

The trader said the protesters were not calling for violence or destruction of Chinese-owned businesses, warehouses or shops, but wanted the nationals to stop competing with local traders in retail.

He alleged that Chinese vendors often copy customers’ details from waybills and offer goods at lower prices after importing directly from China, making it difficult for local traders to compete.

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