By Bianca Iboma-Emefu
Traders at the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex have protested the demolition of shops by the Lagos State Government .
The traders described the demolition excecise as unlawful without following legal process. They claimed the action is not only devastating and destroying people’s livelihoods, but also threatens federal authority over the iconic trade hub.
During a heated protest at the complex, Eric Ilechuckwu, chairman of the traders’ stakeholders’ forum, condemned the demolition, alleging that state officials stormed the premises on September 25 and pulled down several structures, “in a command-style operation” without serving any contravention notices.
He emphasized that the demolished buildings had valid approvals from the Trade Fair Management Board, a statutory body empowered by law to oversee the complex on behalf of the Federal Government.
“Our lease agreements explicitly state that the Board is responsible for approving and supervising construction within the complex. The Board also collects ground rents for the Federal Government. At no point were we served notices of violation,” Ilechuckwu asserted.
The traders described the demolition as “a gross injustice and a blatant violation of the rule of law,” highlighting the displacement of hundreds of business owners and their staggering financial losses amid Nigeria’s economic hardships.
They also challenged claims by Lagos State Commissioner for Information, who claimed that traders had been notified about the need for state approvals.“The Lagos International Trade Fair Complex is federal property managed under the Trade Fair Management Board Act. Federal ownership and authority over the complex are non-negotiable,” they insisted.
Alleging that contravention notices were hastily drafted in the morning of the demolition, the traders demanded immediate halt to further destruction, an independent investigation into the incident, and full compensation for their losses.
In an appeal to President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, the traders called for urgent intervention, stating: “We remain committed to lawful business and peaceful dialogue, but we will not stay silent in the face of injustice.”
Vera Safiya Ndanusa, Executive Director of the Trade Fair Management Board, expressed sympathy for the traders and confirmed that the complex remains under federal control. “We were not involved in this operation, but all relevant agencies have been notified. The property belongs to the Federal Government, and we are working to resolve this issue amicably,” she assured.
Ndanusa also revealed that President Tinubu has expressed concern over the incident, and discussions are ongoing to prevent further disruptions.
One of the affected traders, Ike Magnus, CEO of Magnum Merchandise Limited, lamented that his well-known“white building” was destroyed despite possessing all necessary federal approvals. “We are victims caught in a power struggle. We have the approved documents from the Federal Government, yet the state claims we lack its approval.I have lost millions. Even if we are at fault, proper procedures must be followed,” he said.
This crisis has intensified ongoing controversy over control of the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex, with traders warning that continued clashes between federal and state authorities threatens the survival of one of Nigeria’s busiest commercial centers.
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