Lagos Trade Fair Complex Traders Protest Demolition Of Shops, Buildings
Traders under the umbrella of the Trade Fair Stakeholders Association, on Monday, staged a demonstration following the demolition of their buildings and business premises by officials of the Lagos State government, last Thursday.
The angry traders, who carried placards with inscriptions such as ‘Stop destroying our properties,’ ‘Our buildings are FG approved,’ and ‘This complex is regulated by the Federal Government,’ accused the Lagos State government of acting illegally and without due process.
Addressing journalists during the protest, Chairman of the stakeholders’ forum, Chief Eric Ilechukwu alleged that state officials invaded the complex on September 25 in “a commando style” and pulled down several structures without issuing contravention notices.
Ilechukwu maintained that the demolished buildings had valid approvals from the Trade Fair Management Board, which he said was the statutory authority empowered by law to oversee the complex on behalf of the Federal Government.
His words: “The respective lease agreements we signed clearly indicate that the Board is the approving and supervising authority for constructions within the complex. At no time were we served contravention notices.”
The traders described the demolition as a “grave injustice” and a violation of the rule of law, lamenting that hundreds of business owners have been displaced and subjected to huge financial losses in an already harsh economy.
They also faulted remarks by the Lagos State Commissioner for Information, Mr Gbenga Omotoso on a national television, who claimed the traders had long been notified to obtain state approvals.
According to them, “the Trade Fair Complex is a federal property established by law and managed under the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex Management Board Act, and its ownership cannot be usurped by the state.”
Calling for urgent intervention, the traders urged President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment to wade into the matter, declaring that “We remain committed to peace, lawful business,.”
One of the affected traders, who is the CEO of Magnum Merchandise Limited, Mr Ike Magnus, claimed that his popular “white building” was demolished despite having federal approvals.
“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,” he said tearfully.
Hafsoh Isiaq is a graduate of Linguistics. An avid writer committed to creative, high-quality research and news reportage. She has considerable experience in writing and reporting across a variety of platforms including print and online.
