Hundreds of traders under the umbrella of the Trade Fair Stakeholders Association took to the streets on Tuesday to protest the demolition of their business premises at the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex.
The traders, many of whom are of Igbo origin, described the exercise as “malicious, willful, and illegal,” accusing the Lagos State Government of acting outside its jurisdiction.
Carrying placards with inscriptions such as “Stop destroying our properties,” “Our buildings are FG approved,” and “This complex is regulated by the Federal Government,” the protesters argued that their businesses were duly authorized by the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex Management Board, the federal agency overseeing activities within the facility.
The demolition, which reportedly affected more than 19 buildings at the New Mandela Plaza, was carried out on September 25 under tight security. Eyewitnesses said operatives of the state task force, Rapid Response Squad, and other tactical teams cordoned off the area, preventing traders from accessing or documenting the operation.
Speaking during the protest, Chief Eric Ilechukwu, Chairman of the Stakeholders’ Forum, alleged that state officials “stormed the complex in commando style” and destroyed legally approved structures without issuing contravention notices.
“The lease agreements we signed clearly state that the Board is the approving authority for all constructions here. At no time were we served with notices,” Ilechukwu maintained.
The traders, who claim to have suffered massive financial losses, condemned the action as an economic sabotage that has displaced hundreds of families. They also faulted comments by Lagos State Commissioner for Information, Gbenga Omotoso, who insisted the traders had been instructed to obtain approvals from the state government.
According to them, “The Trade Fair Complex is a federal property established by law and governed under the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex Management Board Act. Its ownership cannot be usurped by the state.”
One of the affected businessmen, Ike Magnus, CEO of Magnum Merchandise Limited, lamented that his flagship building was torn down despite valid approvals. “In all honesty, we are victims of when two elephants fight. I have lost millions. Even if we are part of the problem, due process should have been followed,” he said emotionally.
The protesters have appealed to President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment to intervene and ensure justice, pledging to remain committed to peace and lawful business operations.
Reacting to the development, Executive Director of the Lagos International Trade Fair Management Board, Vera Safiya Ndanusa, sympathized with the traders and reaffirmed that the complex remains under federal control.
“It is unfortunate that we were not carried along before this incident. But I assure you that all relevant ministries and agencies have been notified. The property belongs to the Federal Government, and we intend to resolve this matter amicably,” she stated.
