VeryDarkMan Slams Igbo Traders over ‘chinese Must Go’ Protest in Lagos

Social media activist VeryDarkMan has taken to his platforms to condemn an Igbo traders protest that erupted in Lagos this week, accusing the traders of inflaming anti‑Chinese sentiment and threatening the cohesion of Nigeria’s informal economy. The protest, which saw a handful of Igbo merchants chanting “Chinese must go,” was sparked by complaints that Chinese traders were undercutting local prices in several Lagos markets.

What triggered the Igbo traders protest?

According to eyewitnesses, the protest began on Monday morning in the bustling Balogun market, where a group of Igbo traders gathered outside a cluster of stalls run by Chinese nationals. The traders alleged that the Chinese merchants were selling imported goods at prices lower than locally sourced items, thereby eroding the profit margins of home‑grown sellers. While price competition is a normal feature of any market, the demonstrators escalated their grievances into a chant that quickly spread to nearby markets.

VeryDarkMan, whose real name is not disclosed for safety reasons, responded within hours, posting a video that called the protest “dangerous rhetoric that pits Nigerians against each other.” He warned that such xenophobic outbursts could invite retaliation, disrupt supply chains, and ultimately hurt the very traders the protest aimed to protect.

VeryDarkMan’s main arguments against the protest

In his 12‑minute video, VeryDarkMan outlined three core points. First, he emphasized that competition from Chinese merchants is not new; it has been part of Lagos’s market landscape for over a decade, especially after the 2020–2022 wave of Chinese investment in West African retail. Second, he argued that the Igbo traders’ demand for foreigners to leave the market ignores the reality that many Chinese sellers source their goods from African manufacturers, creating a two‑way trade relationship that benefits local producers.

Third, the activist highlighted the legal framework governing trade in Nigeria. The 2026 amendment to the Trade and Commerce Act explicitly protects the rights of foreign traders who operate within the law, and any attempt to force them out could be deemed a violation of both national and international trade agreements.

Reactions from market stakeholders

Local business owners, market association leaders, and consumer groups have offered mixed responses. The Lagos State Chamber of Commerce issued a statement urging calm and reminding merchants that price wars are best resolved through market mechanisms rather than public protests. Meanwhile, the Igbo Traders Association defended their members, saying the protest was a spontaneous expression of frustration over dwindling sales, not a pre‑planned xenophobic campaign.

Chinese traders, represented by the Nigeria‑China Business Council, released a brief comment noting that they respect Nigerian commerce and are open to dialogue on fair pricing. They also pointed out that many Chinese entrepreneurs have invested in training local staff and sourcing raw materials from Nigerian farms, thereby contributing to job creation.

Historical context of foreign trade in Lagos markets

Foreign participation in Lagos’s informal sector dates back to the colonial era, when Lebanese and Indian merchants established footholds in the city’s bazaars. The 1990s saw a surge of Chinese traders following the opening up of China’s economy, and by the early 2000s, Chinese‑owned shops were a familiar sight in markets such as Alaba International and Mile 12. While these traders have sometimes been blamed for price undercutting, they have also introduced new product lines, from electronics to affordable clothing, that broaden consumer choice.

In 2024, the Nigerian government launched the “Local‑First” initiative, encouraging consumers to buy made‑in‑Nigeria goods. However, the policy also stressed the importance of maintaining an open market that welcomes foreign investment, provided it complies with local regulations. This balance remains delicate, and the recent protest underscores the tensions that can arise when perceived competition threatens livelihoods.

Potential impact on Nigeria’s trade policy

Analysts suggest that the Igbo traders protest could prompt a review of market regulation, especially concerning stall allocation and price monitoring. The Ministry of Trade and Investment announced on Tuesday that it will convene a stakeholder forum in November 2026 to discuss “fair competition in informal markets.” The forum aims to bring together local traders, foreign merchants, consumer advocacy groups, and policymakers to craft guidelines that protect both domestic and foreign business interests.

Should the government adopt stricter controls, there could be implications for market dynamics across West Africa. Countries such as Ghana and Kenya have faced similar debates over foreign traders, and any policy shift in Nigeria—a regional trade hub—might set a precedent for the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to revisit its trade facilitation framework.

What this means for everyday shoppers

For the average consumer, the protest is unlikely to cause immediate shortages, but it may affect price stability. If market tensions rise, vendors could raise prices to offset perceived threats, or conversely, they might offer deeper discounts to retain customers. Consumer watchdog groups advise shoppers to stay vigilant, compare prices across stalls, and support reputable sellers regardless of nationality.

Moreover, the incident highlights the importance of digital platforms in shaping market narratives. VeryDarkMan’s video amassed over 250,000 views within 24 hours, illustrating how social media can amplify local grievances—and also provide a counter‑narrative that promotes tolerance.

FAQ

• Why did the Igbo traders protest against Chinese merchants? They claimed Chinese sellers were offering cheaper goods that threatened their profit margins.
• Is it legal to force foreign traders out of Nigerian markets? No. The 2026 Trade and Commerce Act protects the rights of foreign traders who operate within the law.
• What steps is the government taking? A stakeholder forum is planned for November 2026 to discuss fair competition and market regulation.

As Lagos’s markets continue to evolve, the dialogue sparked by VeryDarkMan’s intervention may prove pivotal in ensuring that competition remains healthy, inclusive, and beneficial for all Nigerians.

Read the original report on the incident here.

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