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.
