PRESS RELEASE
The South East Patriots (SEP) in very strong terms condemn the violent invasion and demolition carried out by the Lagos State Government at the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex, Ojo, on Thursday, 25th September 2025.
The operation, accompanied by heavily armed security personnel in over 50 trucks, resulted in the destruction of goods worth billions of naira belonging to traders, the majority of whom are from the South East. To make matters worse, many of the destroyed goods were carted away by local urchins known as area boys, who took advantage of the chaos.
This marks yet another episode of unwarranted interference, recalling a similar invasion halted more than one year ago by the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment.
It is important to restate that the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex Management Board (LITFCMB) is a full-fledged agency of the Federal Ministry, with established departments responsible for building approvals, supervision, and development control under the law that created the agency. Since its commissioning in 1977, the complex has remained under the statutory jurisdiction of the Federal Government, with no legal basis for Lagos State to duplicate functions or assume control.
Apparently without regard to this legal framework—or in a show of overzealousness—several land-related agencies of the Lagos State Government have repeatedly attempted to usurp authority at the complex, despite clear federal oversight mechanisms. Such actions only breed confusion, duplication, and conflict in management.
While the Senior Special Assistant on New Media to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Jubril Gawat, confirmed the demolition in a public statement, SEP strongly insists that any genuine concerns over safety or infrastructure within the Trade Fair Complex must be addressed solely by the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment through the appropriate channels of LITFCMB.
SEP’s Position
We unequivocally condemn the invasion and demolition carried out on 25th September 2025 at the Trade Fair Complex by Lagos State agencies, accompanied by brute force and destruction.
We condemn the looting of traders’ goods by area boys during the demolition, which has compounded the economic losses of legitimate business owners.
We call on the Federal Government to urgently assert its authority and protect this critical national economic hub from arbitrary state interference.
The Lagos Trade Fair Complex is not only a business space; it is the largest concentration of South East entrepreneurial energy outside the region and one of the biggest drivers of Nigeria’s non-oil economy. It generates:
Billions of naira in annual trade volumes across consumer goods, electronics, textiles, automobile parts, and household equipment.
Hundreds of thousands of direct and indirect jobs for Nigerians of all backgrounds, sustaining livelihoods across Lagos and beyond.
Massive customs and tax revenues for the Federal Government, which depend directly on the daily transactions of South East traders.
A powerful supply chain network that links Lagos to Onitsha, Nnewi, Aba, Enugu, Port Harcourt, and other national markets, thereby reinforcing Nigeria’s internal trade balance.
Any destabilization of this hub amounts to sabotaging Nigeria’s economic growth.
Strategic 2027 Outlook: Linking Politics to the Economy
This attack reinforces SEP’s belief that there is absolutely nothing southern about the current APC-led Federal Government. Instead of prioritising the protection of Igbo economic contributions, it continues to enable hostile actions that undermine them.
SEP is confident that a strategic 2027 partnership between the South East and the North is in the best interest of Nigeria. Such an alliance would:
Decongest Lagos by securing the waters of the old Eastern Region and fully utilizing the Eastern Ports.
Spur the dredging of the River Niger, enabling goods movement by smaller vessels to Lokoja and Makurdi, cutting transport costs and boosting inland economies.
Accelerate the Port Harcourt–Maiduguri rail line, unlocking trade from the Atlantic coast through the Middle Belt to the far North.
Restore full economic activity at Onne, Port Harcourt, and Warri ports, ensuring a more balanced and resilient national economy.
Redirect investments away from white elephant projects such as additional Lagos ports and superhighways, and into productive infrastructure that strengthens Nigeria’s economic foundation.
Historical Commitment and National Benefits
These priorities are not new. They were part of the Nike Lake Resort Communiqué of November 14, 2018, when South East leaders, under the guidance of the late Prof. Ben Nwabueze SAN, endorsed the Atiku/Obi ticket for 2019.
The South East has never extracted such firm commitments on infrastructure and economic transformation from any other presidential ticket in Nigeria’s history. SEP believes that reviving this partnership in 2027 represents the surest path to:
National economic diversification beyond Lagos.
Massive reduction in import congestion costs, which presently drive inflation across Nigeria.
Expanded job opportunities for youths across all regions.
Balanced regional development that strengthens unity and national security.
Atiku Abubakar’s background as a Customs officer and businessman gives him a deep appreciation of ports and trade. Peter Obi’s record as a prudent administrator and entrepreneur provides the necessary discipline to maximize resources. Together, they represent the leadership team best equipped to protect Igbo investments, revive Nigeria’s economy, and build a sustainable future.
The Lagos Trade Fair Complex is more than a market space; it is the heartbeat of South East enterprise in Lagos and a national economic asset. Any assault on it is an assault on the collective aspirations of our people—and on Nigeria’s economic stability itself.
Signed:
Obunike C. Ohaegbu
Director General, South East Patriots (SEP)
