Traders in Lagos have protested the activities of Chinese retailers in local markets, accusing them of selling directly to consumers and threatening indigenous businesses.
The traders, who staged the protest in Lagos, objected to Chinese wholesalers allegedly operating as retailers by taking goods directly to final consumers.
According to them, the practice disrupts the conventional distribution chain where manufacturers and wholesalers supply distributors and retailers before products reach consumers.
They argued that Chinese retailers enjoy an unfair advantage by offering goods at near-wholesale prices, making it difficult for local retailers to compete.
The protesters said the trend is gradually eroding the role of local middlemen who depend on buying from wholesalers and reselling to consumers, with attendant loss of sales and threat to livelihoods.
They called on government authorities and business leaders to intervene to balance foreign participation in Nigeria’s market with protection of local traders.
They advocated dialogue involving government, business leaders, Chinese manufacturers and local traders to develop an arrangement that protects the traditional retail structure while allowing businesses to operate.
