Traders ready for showdown with state government

The traders at the International Trade Fair Complex along Lagos-Badagry Expressway, say they are not in support of the plan by Lagos state government to relocate fuel tankers and trucks to their market.

Speaking to Vanguard Newspapers, the market spokesman, Dr. Jude Ringo Okeke said “The Trade Fair Complex has been contracted to private investors for 20 years, and since then more than 100,000 shops of various capacities and over 500 plazas have been built by individuals which has cost traders trillions of Naira in investment.

“This is the sole international market serving Nigeria and the West Coast, as such the capacity of the market has been overstretched thus leading to heavy traffic in and out of the market daily.”

Okeke also wondered why the government that claims to support investment, is taking a decision that will cripple businesses that generate revenue for the state.

The Lagos International Trade fair complex is a mojor business hub for traders across the West Coast.

The first Lagos international trade fair was held in 1977. It is organised annually by Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI).