Wednesday, September 16, 2026 -Traders in Lagos have protested the activities of Chinese retailers in local markets, accusing them of selling directly to consumers and putting increasing pressure on indigenous businesses and livelihoods.
The protesters, who raised their concerns in Lagos,
particularly objected to Chinese wholesalers allegedly operating as retailers
by taking their goods directly to final consumers.
According to the traders, the practice is disrupting the
conventional distribution chain, under which manufacturers and wholesalers
supply distributors and retailers before products eventually reach consumers.
They argued that Chinese retailers have an advantage because
they can offer goods to consumers at prices close to wholesale rates, making it
increasingly difficult for local retailers to compete.
The traders also expressed concern that the practice is
gradually reducing the role of local middlemen who depend on purchasing
products from wholesalers before reselling them to consumers.
They said the increasing participation of Chinese
wholesalers in direct retail has affected their sales and placed the
livelihoods of businesses dependent on the established distribution system at
risk.
The protesters called on relevant government authorities and
business leaders to intervene and address the situation, stressing the need to
strike a balance between foreign participation in Nigeria’s market and the
interests of local traders.
They advocated discussions involving government
representatives, business leaders, Chinese manufacturers and local traders to
develop an arrangement that would enable businesses to operate while also
protecting traders whose livelihoods depend on the traditional retail
structure.
The protest stressed growing concerns among Lagos traders
over competition from foreign businesses and the changing structure of retail
commerce in the state.
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