Information has it that traders on Wednesday shut down the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex located in Lagos-Badagry in protest over an alleged plan by government authorities to take over the management of the facility.
According to a media report, the action disrupted commercial activities across the complex as hundreds of traders locked their shops and stalls.
The traders expressed fears that the proposed arrangement involving state and local government authorities could lead to the introduction of new levies and taxes that may negatively affect their businesses.
Many of them insisted that the trade complex is a federal facility and called for broader consultations before any change to its management structure is implemented.
The shutdown affected several sections of the market, including the Auto Spare Parts and Machinery Dealers Association, (ASPAMDA) Market, one of the largest spare parts markets in Lagos.
Eyewitnesses said the protest started early in the morning as traders refused to open their shops, gathering instead around parks and garages within the market premises to draw attention to their concerns.
“We are not against development, but we are concerned about the possible levies and taxes that may be introduced if the management structure changes,” a trader identified as Emeka Onu was quoted as saying.
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Lagos Trade Fair Traders Protest Proposed Management Takeover, Shut Complex
Published March 11, 2026 at 2:13 PM
Lagos International Trade Fair Complex
Activities at the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex were on Wednesday disrupted as traders shut down the facility in protest against a proposed takeover of the market’s management by state and local government authorities.
The protest led to the closure of shops across the complex as traders gathered in groups around parks and garages within the market premises to discuss the development.
The protesting traders expressed concern over the implications of the proposed arrangement, particularly the possibility of new levies and taxes that could affect their businesses.
Many of them maintained that the complex is a federal government facility and called for wider consultations before any changes are made to its management structure.
According to the traders, any decision regarding the administration of the market must involve stakeholders operating within the complex.
The shutdown also affected the ASPANDA Market within the complex, one of the largest spare parts markets in Lagos.
Eyewitnesses who spoke with Vanguard said traders began the protest early in the morning by locking their shops and stalls to draw attention to their concerns over the planned changes.
“We are not against development, but we are concerned about the possible levies and taxes that may be introduced if the management structure changes,” a trader, Emeka Onu, said.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole and his entourage, visited the complex as part of efforts to engage traders and encourage the reopening of the market.
Before commencing her tour of the facility, the minister urged that the gates of the complex be opened to allow traders access.
She said the visit was aimed at interacting with stakeholders and ensuring the smooth conduct of business activities at the complex.
