Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi and the Lagos State government are in disagreement over the planned demolition of the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex, a major commercial hub that hosts thousands of traders.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Obi criticized the decision on Wednesday, warning that tearing down the complex would hurt small businesses and disrupt the livelihoods of traders who depend on the market. The Lagos government, however, defended the move, saying the site is in disrepair and needs redevelopment to meet modern standards.

The complex, located along the Lagos-Badagry Expressway, is one of the largest in West Africa. It houses shops, warehouses, and offices for traders from across Nigeria and neighboring countries. The market is also a hub for importers and exporters dealing in electronics, textiles, and household goods.

Obi said the demolition would put more people into poverty. He urged the government to find alternative solutions that support traders instead of forcing them out.

“Markets are not just buildings; they are lifelines for millions of Nigerians who struggle every day to survive,” Obi said. “Destroying the Trade Fair Complex will destroy the means of livelihood for thousands of families. The government should focus on fixing problems, not creating new ones.”

The Lagos State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development rejected Obi’s concerns, saying the government’s plan is not meant to harm traders but to improve safety and boost economic activity.

According to officials, parts of the complex have become unsafe and lack proper infrastructure, including roads, drainage, and fire safety systems. The government said redevelopment would modernize the market, attract investors, and create more jobs in the long run.

“Lagos is a megacity and must have world-class facilities,” the ministry said in a statement. “We are engaging stakeholders and will ensure that traders are not left stranded. The new Trade Fair Complex will be better for everyone.”

Traders, however, fear they will not be able to afford new shops after redevelopment. Some worry they may be pushed out by wealthier investors once the complex is rebuilt.

“We are not against development,” said Chinedu Okeke, who has been selling electronics at the complex for more than 15 years. “But the government must remember that poor traders cannot pay the kind of rent big investors can. We need assurances that we will not lose our businesses.”

The dispute highlights a larger issue in Lagos, where rapid urban development often clashes with the needs of low-income residents. In recent years, the state has carried out several demolitions in markets and informal settlements, citing safety or environmental reasons. Critics say such actions displace vulnerable people without providing adequate alternatives.

Obi’s intervention is also seen as part of his wider push to present himself as a defender of ordinary Nigerians, especially traders and small business owners. During his presidential campaign, he frequently emphasized economic reforms to support small-scale enterprises.

Analysts say the standoff could influence public opinion in Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial capital, where both economic growth and poverty are visible side by side. The city is home to more than 20 million people, with many relying on informal markets for survival.

For now, the future of the Trade Fair Complex remains uncertain. The Lagos government has promised consultations with traders before any demolition begins, but many remain skeptical.

“What we want is dialogue and fairness,” said Okeke. “If they want to rebuild, let them rebuild with us, not without us.”

The debate over the complex is expected to continue in the coming weeks, as both Obi and the state government push their positions. Traders say they will hold peaceful protests if their concerns are ignored.

The controversy underscores the tension between development and livelihood in Nigeria’s largest city, a challenge that is likely to grow as Lagos expands.