Trade Fair Tension: Govt Steps In As Auto Spare Parts’ Dealers Clash With Chinese Retailers In Lagos

● ‘Legitimate, deserve urgent attention, not dismissal,’ CEO, Lagos International Trade Fair Management Board (LITFCMB), Mrs. Veronica Safiya Ndanusa, speaks on concerns around fair competition, market access and regulatory compliance

The management of the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex has moved to douse rising tension in the country’s biggest commercial hub following an outcry by Nigerian spare parts dealers over the activities of Chinese retail traders.

The traders, under the aegis of Auto Spare Parts and Machinery Dealers Association, ASPMDA, had raised the alarm that Chinese traders operating within the complex were engaging in direct retail sales, a move they said threatens their livelihoods and violates Nigeria’s trade rules.

Responding to the concerns on Thursday, the Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex Management Board, LITFCMB, Mrs. Veronica Safiya Ndanusa, assured that government is committed to a fair and lawful business environment for all.

Ndanusa said the Board has taken note of the agitation and understands the pains of Nigerian traders who have built their businesses, families and futures inside the complex over decades.

According to her, concerns around fair competition, market access and regulatory compliance are legitimate and deserve urgent attention, not dismissal.

She stressed that the mandate of the LITFCMB is to promote trade and investment, manage critical infrastructure and position the complex as a world-class commercial hub where both local and foreign investments can thrive.

The LITFCMB boss explained that Nigeria’s openness to legitimate foreign investment and its duty to protect Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, MSMEs, are not in conflict but are two sides of the same economic growth coin.

She noted that when properly regulated, the activities of local and foreign traders should complement each other and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s broader economic goals.

“Nigeria honours its bilateral trade agreements and continues to welcome foreign investors that operates strictly within our statutory framework,” Ndanusa stated.

She also gave a firm assurance to the international community operating lawfully within the complex that their investments, property and physical safety remain protected under the law.

However, in a direct appeal for peace, she urged members of ASPMDA and youth groups in the complex to remain calm and avoid taking laws into their own hands while dialogue continues.

Ndanusa disclosed that the Board has opened engagement with all stakeholders, including the Chinese community, relevant trade associations and regulatory agencies, to find a lasting and win-win resolution to the lingering crisis.

NOP NIGERIA