Amanze Chinonye
Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has condemned the demolition of plazas at the Auto Spare Parts and Machinery Dealers Association (ASPAMDA) section of the Lagos Trade Fair Complex, describing the exercise as “unjust, economically destructive, and a test of impunity.”
Obi, who visited the site on Wednesday alongside Senators Enyinnaya Abaribe, Victor Umeh, Tony Nwoye, Col. Austin Akobundu, Labour Party’s Lagos governorship candidate Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, and other party figures, said many of the affected traders had obtained official approvals before constructing their businesses.
“I must commend the traders for their remarkable restraint and calm in the face of such painful loss. I equally appreciate the Senators and the House of Representatives members who have pledged to investigate this matter thoroughly and bring to light the circumstances that led to this unfortunate development, and most importantly, ensure that the situation does not occur in the future,” Obi said.
He urged governments at all levels to temper their policies with fairness and compassion, warning that demolishing legitimate investments without due process devastates livelihoods and discourages enterprise at a time when Nigeria desperately needs economic growth.
“Many of the affected traders invested heavily often through loans in the hope of securing their livelihoods and contributing to the wider economy. To destroy such legitimate investments without due process is not only unjust but also economically destructive,” he added.
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Obi stressed that any society that seeks progress must protect enterprise and uphold the dignity of its citizens, insisting that incidents like this “should have no place in a nation that aspires to fairness, stability, and shared prosperity.”
The Federal Housing Authority (FHA), which manages the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex, has in recent weeks overseen the demolition of several plazas within ASPAMDA market. Officials cited structural defects, illegal extensions, and alleged breaches of building approvals as justification for the exercise.
The move has sparked outrage among traders and business owners, many of whom insist they secured necessary approvals and invested millions of naira into properties that were leveled. For them, the demolition is not only a financial setback but also a blow to confidence in government’s commitment to protecting enterprise.
The demolitions at Lagos Trade Fair are more than a local dispute they touch on Nigeria’s broader struggle with governance, investor confidence, and economic survival.
At a time of inflation and rising unemployment, tearing down multi-million-naira businesses raises questions about due process, accountability, and the state’s role in either enabling or stifling enterprise.
With Peter Obi and lawmakers now pledging investigations, the controversy is likely to widen into a national debate about how government policies affect ordinary Nigerians’ ability to build wealth and stability.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
