Hundreds of traders, mostly of Igbo origin, under the Trade Fair Stakeholders Association, staged a protest yesterday over the demolition of their business premises at the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex, describing the action as “willful, malicious, and illegal.”
The protesters carried placards reading, “Stop destroying our properties,” “Our buildings are FG approved,” and “This complex is regulated by the Federal Government,” accusing the Lagos State Government of flouting due process and exceeding its authority.
DAILY POST had earlier reported that over 19 buildings at the New Mandela Plaza within the complex were demolished in a large-scale operation carried out under heavy security. The exercise, supervised by state officials, involved task force operatives, Rapid Response Squad personnel, and tactical teams who prevented traders from documenting the demolition.
Chief Eric Ilechukwu, Chairman of the Stakeholders’ Forum, alleged that the state government “stormed the complex in commando style” on September 25, destroying several structures without issuing contravention notices. He insisted that all demolished buildings had valid approvals from the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex Management Board, the statutory federal authority empowered to regulate the area.
“The lease agreements clearly state that the Board is the approving and supervising authority for all constructions here. At no time were we served contravention notices,” Ilechukwu said.
The traders condemned the demolitions as a “grave injustice” that displaced hundreds of business owners, causing significant financial losses amid Nigeria’s challenging economic climate. They also dismissed claims by Lagos State Commissioner for Information Gbenga Omotoso, who said the traders had been directed to seek state approvals.
“The Trade Fair Complex is 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,” the traders emphasized, appealing for urgent intervention from President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment.
Mr. Ike Magnus, CEO of Magnum Merchandise Limited, whose flagship “white building” was demolished despite valid federal approvals, lamented, “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.”
Addressing the protesting traders, Vera Safiya Ndanusa, Executive Director of the Lagos International Trade Fair Management Board, expressed sympathy and reaffirmed federal control over the complex. “It is unfortunate that we were not carried along before this incident. But all relevant ministries and agencies have been notified. The property belongs to the Federal Government, and we intend to resolve this matter amicably,” she said.
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