The Lagos State Police Command has warned that traders behind a protest against Chinese merchants at the Lagos Trade Fair Complex could face arrest.
The protest reportedly saw some traders chanting “Chinese must go” while calling for Chinese businesses allegedly involved in retail trading to leave the market.
The protesters, however, said their grievance was not against Chinese nationals but centred on what they described as unfair competition. They alleged that some Chinese businesses were selling directly to consumers at lower prices, affecting the sales of Nigerian traders.
Police authorities described those behind the protest as a small group of individuals and said arrests would be made. Security agencies subsequently intervened to prevent the situation from escalating.
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Officials of the market association and local government also met with security agencies to address the situation and reassure traders and business owners that the situation was under control.
The Chinese community in the market also addressed the gathering, maintaining that Lagos remains a good environment for business.
Authorities are expected to continue monitoring the Trade Fair Complex to prevent further tension between Nigerian traders and Chinese merchants.
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