Checkpoint Nightmare: Lagos Trade Fair Traders Decry Rising Costs, Seek Policy Overhaul from Federal Government
Traders operating at the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex have called for urgent policy reforms and stronger collaboration with the federal government, citing mounting operational costs, excessive checkpoints, and poor infrastructure that threaten business activities at one of Nigeria’s largest commercial hubs.
Traders at the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex have intensified calls for a strategic partnership with the federal government to address worsening infrastructure deficits and regulatory bottlenecks affecting operations within the expansive marketplace.
The renewed appeal followed a recent visit by the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mrs. Jumoke Oduwole, during which key stakeholders highlighted both the economic significance of the complex and the challenges confronting businesses there.
Located along the busy Lagos–Badagry Expressway, the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex has evolved over the years from an exhibition venue into a permanent commercial hub hosting thousands of traders and serving as a major wholesale trading centre for West Africa.
The 32-hectare facility, designed with multiple pavilions, exhibition halls, and trading spaces, attracts merchants not only from across Nigeria but also from neighbouring countries such as Ghana, Benin Republic, Togo, and Niger.
Chairman of the complex’s Board of Trustees, Mr. Okey Ezibe, recalled the transformation of the area from a swampy and largely neglected terrain into a thriving commercial hub driven mainly by private sector investment.
According to him, traders and investors have committed billions of naira since 1998 to develop plazas, warehouses, and other trading infrastructure within the complex, reflecting sustained confidence in Nigeria’s economic potential.
Ezibe noted that although many traders operate within the informal sector, they have increasingly embraced global best practices and are gradually transitioning towards a more structured and formalised trading system.
Despite these efforts, he lamented that government support has not matched the rapid growth of the complex, leaving traders to contend with multiple taxation, regulatory hurdles, and alleged harassment along supply routes.
He explained that goods transported from seaports and border points often pass through more than 20 checkpoints, a situation he said significantly raises logistics costs and ultimately inflates market prices.
Infrastructure gaps also featured prominently in stakeholders’ concerns, with traders pointing to deteriorating access roads, unstable electricity supply, and a lack of essential public utilities within the complex.
They argued that despite paying billions of naira in ground rents and other statutory charges, the facility still lacks adequate street lighting, reliable power supply, and properly maintained road networks.
Traders also raised concerns over previous demolition exercises within parts of the complex, which they said resulted in substantial financial losses and weakened investor confidence, particularly among foreign business partners.
Responding to the concerns, the minister commended traders for their contributions to Nigeria’s economy and acknowledged the scale and importance of commercial activities within the complex.
Mrs. Oduwole assured stakeholders that the federal government is committed to addressing issues relating to tax harmonization, regulatory inefficiencies, and infrastructure deficits affecting businesses.
She also proposed the introduction of structured quarterly engagements between the government and stakeholders to improve communication and ensure accountability in resolving industry concerns.
The minister further disclosed that Nigeria is preparing to host a major intra-African trade fair in 2027, noting that efforts are underway to position the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex as a strategic hub for regional commerce.
For many stakeholders, the minister’s visit has sparked cautious optimism, with traders urging sustained dialogue and concrete reforms to unlock the full economic potential of the complex and strengthen Nigeria’s position in regional trade.
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