1. By Sylvester Udemezue

(A). BACKGROUND

Some traders at the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex recently protested against what they described as the growing takeover of their retail businesses by Chinese merchants. According to TheNigeriaLawyer’s report of 16 September 2026, the protesters alleged that Chinese wholesalers were opening retail outlets, selling directly to consumers at lower prices and taking customers away from Nigerian traders. They feared displacement and loss of livelihoods. In one video, a trader declared, “They want to turn us into slaves,” while others chorused, “Say no to China.” The protest was subsequently suspended following interventions by market leaders, local government officials and the police. The traders’ association established a committee to examine the complaints and engaged the protesters’ representatives. (Source. TheNigeriaLawyer report of 16 September 2026).

(B). MY REACTION

The answer to foreign competition is to build businesses that can compete. Demanding that Chinese merchants leave simply because they attract customers offers Nigerian traders little prospect of lasting progress. We should examine what makes those businesses competitive and how Nigerians can improve their own. The fear of losing a livelihood deserves a hearing. Yet a competitor’s nationality does not establish wrongdoing. If the objection is simply that foreigners have identified an opportunity and are serving customers successfully, I respectfully disagree with the protesters. Commercial opportunity will not wait for us to recognise it, organise ourselves or feel ready.

Chinese merchants, like other businesspeople, pursue commercial interests. Where they operate lawfully and meet customers’ needs, their enterprise deserves fair consideration. Nigerians should study what works, improve on it and explore mutually beneficial partnerships. Resentment teaches us little about sourcing goods, managing costs or retaining customers. We must also remember the buyer. A household comparing prices is trying to stretch its income. Customers need good reasons to choose a business: dependable quality, honest pricing, convenience or reliable service. Appeals to patriotism become more persuasive when supported by products and services that deliver value.

Specific complaints about improper business practices should nevertheless be documented and investigated. Every operator should comply with applicable requirements, and regulators should enforce them consistently. Traders can demand fair treatment without turning an entire nationality into an enemy. We should extend to lawful foreign businesses the fairness we expect for Nigerians doing business abroad. Nor should we assume that every struggling Nigerian is lazy. Inadequate infrastructure, costly finance and weak business support can frustrate diligent entrepreneurs. Government must address these obstacles. Meanwhile, entrepreneurs can begin improving their businesses. Complaint alone cannot reduce costs or persuade a disappointed customer to return.

For Nigerian youths, the practical starting point is close observation. Identify a recurring problem in your community. Ask potential customers what they need, what they currently pay and what disappoints them. Learn the relevant skill, test a modest solution and record the results. An opportunity becomes a business when people are willing to pay for the value you provide. Existing traders should examine their operations with equal honesty. Know the actual cost and margin on each product. Separate business money from personal spending. Keep accurate stock records, respond promptly to enquiries and honour delivery promises. A digital catalogue can extend a shop’s reach, but trust depends on delivering what was advertised.

Market associations can help members compete through transparent purchasing cooperatives, shared warehousing and better transport arrangements. They should explore lawful ways to reduce procurement costs while each business retains independent pricing. Training and clearer agreements with suppliers can also produce practical benefits for members. Young people should look beyond buying and reselling finished goods. Repair, installation, processing, packaging and local production deserve consideration. An apprenticeship or technical qualification may reveal a viable business that enthusiasm alone would miss. Partnerships should build skills and productive capacity, with clear agreements and responsibilities. Here is a practical challenge: within the next thirty days, speak to ten potential customers, identify one recurring need and test an affordable response. Calculate your costs before spending, record feedback and improve the offer. Those already trading can choose one persistent customer complaint and resolve it within the same period.

Nigeria should welcome lawful enterprise and equip its people to participate successfully. Public policy should support productive capacity, fair competition and consumer welfare. Hostility towards foreigners cannot supply the skills, discipline or infrastructure that competitive businesses require. To Nigerian youths, my appeal is straightforward: take the opportunities around you seriously. Learn from capable competitors without surrendering your ambition. Organise, acquire useful skills and begin with what you can responsibly manage. Give customers a compelling reason to choose you. That is how we strengthen Nigerian enterprise and turn concern about our economic future into practical achievement.

Respectfully,
Sylvester Udemezue (Udems)
Proctor, Reality Ministry of Truth Law and Justice (TRM).
08021365545.
udemsonline@gmail.com
(16 September 2026)