‘Chibese Retailers must Go”,Igbo Traders Protest says,we are losing customers
Traders in Lagos have protested against the expansion of Chinese nationals into retail trading, accusing them of taking customers away from local businesses and threatening their livelihoods.
The protest took place at markets within the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex along the Lagos-Badagry Expressway.
Videos from the demonstration circulating on social media showed traders carrying placards with messages including “Chinese must go”, “This is a peaceful protest.”
The protesters alleged that some Chinese nationals who initially operated as wholesalers in Nigeria had increasingly moved into direct retail sales, putting local traders under pressure.Geographic Reference
One of the traders, speaking in a video from the protest, said Chinese vendors had an advantage because of their financial capacity and direct access to manufacturers and suppliers in China.
According to him, some Chinese traders were selling products directly to customers who would ordinarily patronise Nigerian retailers.
He claimed that the development had affected the ability of local traders to compete on price and retain customers.
“They came and built warehouses, rented shops and are now selling as we do as retailers,” the trader said in Igbo.
“If we send a waybill, they copy the customer’s number. We no longer make sales.
“If you import goods, they slash their prices lower than our own and sell to our customers. Is this how we would continue?”
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The trader warned that continued expansion of Chinese-owned retail businesses could force more Nigerian traders out of the market.
He also stressed that the demonstration was intended to remain peaceful, saying the protesters were not calling for attacks on Chinese nationals or destruction of their businesses.
“What we are saying is that the personal relationship between us and the Chinese is important to us, but they should not do our business,” he said.
He further warned that if the situation persisted, local traders could eventually lose their shops and businesses.
NPO Reports
