Wike’s aide Lere Olayinka criticises Lagos traders over protest against Chinese retailers

Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, has criticised traders who protested against the alleged involvement of Chinese nationals in retail trading at the Lagos Trade Fair Complex.

The protest followed complaints from some traders that Chinese businesses were increasingly selling goods directly to retail customers rather than operating mainly as wholesalers.

The protesters argued that the practice puts local traders at a disadvantage because some Chinese businesses have direct access to manufacturers and suppliers.

Reacting to the protest, Olayinka questioned the traders’ position and argued that business competition should not be opposed simply because foreign nationals are involved.

He also questioned why the nationality or ethnicity of people engaged in legitimate commercial activities should determine whether they are allowed to participate in a market.

His comments triggered reactions online amid the wider debate surrounding the protest.

The protesting traders had alleged that some Chinese businesses were moving deeper into retail operations and competing directly with Nigerian traders.

They also alleged that some foreign businesses were using customer information obtained through transactions to approach buyers directly.

However, the claims made by the protesters have not been independently established.

The traders had stressed during their demonstration that they were not calling for violence or attacks on Chinese-owned businesses.

The controversy has renewed discussion about competition between local and foreign-owned businesses and the rules governing participation in Nigeria’s retail sector.