Lagos State, Nigeria — Businesses at the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex, one of Nigeria’s largest commercial marketplaces, were shut on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, after traders closed their shops in protest over a proposed change in the management of the facility.
The complex, located along the Lagos–Badagry Expressway in Lagos State in southwestern Nigeria, is a major hub for wholesale and retail trade that attracts merchants from across the country and neighboring West African states. The shutdown disrupted commercial activity as hundreds of traders gathered within the premises to express concerns about a plan that could see the facility managed by state and local government authorities.
Traders said they feared that the proposed arrangement might introduce new levies, taxes, or regulatory fees that could raise the cost of doing business within the market. Many of them argued that the complex is a property of the federal government of Nigeria and therefore should not be placed under the control of subnational authorities without wider consultation.
The protest led to the closure of shops throughout the complex, leaving business stalls locked while traders congregated in open areas such as parking lots and transport garages inside the market to discuss the situation.
One of the affected sections was the Auto Spare Parts and Machinery Dealers Association Market, widely known as ASPANDA, which operates within the trade fair complex and is regarded as one of the largest spare parts markets in Lagos State.
Witnesses said traders began the protest early in the morning by shutting their stalls to draw attention to their concerns and to demand dialogue with government officials before any decision is implemented.
“We are not against development, but we are concerned about the possible levies and taxes that may be introduced if the management structure changes,” a trader who identified himself as Emeka Onu said.
The protest attracted attention from federal authorities responsible for commerce and industry. Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, visited the complex during the day in an effort to calm tensions and engage with traders.
Before beginning a tour of the facility, the minister called for the gates of the market to be opened so that traders could enter and continue business activities. She explained that the visit was intended to allow government representatives to speak directly with stakeholders and better understand their concerns.
Okay News reports that the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex has long served as a major commercial centre for electronics, machinery, spare parts, and other wholesale goods, making any disruption to activities there significant for thousands of small and medium sized businesses.
Discussions between traders and government representatives were continuing as authorities sought a resolution that could restore normal trading activities while addressing concerns about the future management structure of the complex.
