Protest Erupts in Lagos Over State Government’s Demolition at Trade Fair Complex

Hundreds of traders, mostly of Igbo origin under the Trade Fair Stakeholders Association, held a protest on Monday over the demolition of their business structures at the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex. They described the exercise as “willful, malicious, and illegal.”

Protesters carried placards with messages such as “Stop destroying our properties,” “Our buildings are FG approved,” and “This complex is regulated by the Federal Government,” accusing the Lagos State Government of bypassing due process and acting beyond its jurisdiction.

Over 19 buildings at the New Mandela Plaza were demolished under heavy security, with state officials, task force operatives, the Rapid Response Squad, and tactical teams sealing off the area and barring traders from recording the incident.

Chairman of the Stakeholders’ Forum, Chief Eric Ilechukwu, alleged that officials stormed the site on September 25 in “commando style,” destroying structures without serving any prior contravention notices.

“The lease agreements we signed clearly state that the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex Management Board is the approving authority. At no time were we issued contravention notices,” he said.

The traders said the demolitions had caused immense financial losses in an already struggling economy and dismissed state claims that the affected structures lacked proper approvals. They insisted the complex is a federal property governed by the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex Management Board Act.

Calling the demolition a “grave injustice,” they urged President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment to intervene, while pledging their commitment to peace and legal business practices.

One of the affected businessmen, Mr. Ike Magnus, CEO of Magnum Merchandise Ltd., lamented the loss of his flagship structure, saying: “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 protesters, the Executive Director of the Trade Fair Management Board, Vera Safiya Ndanusa, expressed sympathy and confirmed that the complex remains under federal control.

“It is unfortunate that we were not carried along before this incident. But I assure you that relevant ministries and agencies have been notified. This property belongs to the Federal Government, and we intend to resolve the matter amicably,” she stated.