Lagos Trade Fair Demolition Sparks Massive Protest as Igbo Traders Accuse State Government of Overreach
Story: written by Uzuh Rithttp://Tension flared in Lagos on Monday as hundreds of traders at the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex toa september 30,2025
Tension flared in Lagos on Monday as hundreds of traders at the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex took to the streets to protest the demolition of more than 19 buildings at the New Mandela Plaza.
The traders, mostly of Igbo origin and operating under the Trade Fair Stakeholders Association, described the demolition as “illegal, malicious, and a direct violation of due process.”
Carrying placards with inscriptions such as “Stop destroying our properties” and “Our buildings are FG approved”, the protesters accused the Lagos State Government of acting outside its authority. They argued that the complex is federal property managed by the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex Management Board (LITFCMB), which, by law, regulates all approvals and activities within the facility.
The demolition, which occurred on September 25, 2025, was executed under heavy security, with Rapid Response Squad operatives and tactical teams sealing off the area and allegedly preventing traders from filming the incident.
Chief Eric Ilechukwu, Chairman of the Stakeholders’ Forum, said:
“The state government came in commando style and pulled down approved buildings without serving us any contravention notices. Our agreements are with the Federal Government, not the state.”
Traders lamented that the action had destroyed businesses worth billions of naira, displacing hundreds of families already battling Nigeria’s harsh economic climate. They also dismissed comments by Lagos State Commissioner for Information Gbenga Omotoso, who claimed the traders had been directed to obtain state approvals.
Calling the demolition a “grave injustice,” the traders appealed to President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment to intervene urgently.
One affected businessman, Ike Magnus, CEO of Magnum Merchandise Limited, broke down as he recounted his losses:
“My flagship building was demolished even though it had valid federal approvals. I have lost millions. We are simply victims of when two elephants fight.”
Addressing the demonstrators, Vera Safiya Ndanusa, Executive Director of the LITFCMB, sympathized with their plight and reaffirmed that the complex remains under federal ownership.
“This property belongs to the Federal Government, and we intend to resolve this matter amicably,” she assured.
The protest highlights growing clashes between federal and state authorities over control of key commercial hubs, with traders caught in the middle.
