Lagos, Nigeria – Hundreds of traders in Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial capital, have staged a peaceful protest at the state assembly, demanding approval for a new site for their market.

The protesters, who are members of the Orilowo Perishable Food Market Association, said they have been waiting for months for the Agboyi-Ketu Local Council Development Area (LCDA) to grant them permission to relocate their market to a designated plot along Ikorodu Road.

According to a report by Punch, they said the delay has affected their livelihoods and exposed them to harassment from security agents and hoodlums.

“We have written several letters to the LCDA, but they have not responded to us. We have paid all the necessary fees and fulfilled all the requirements, but they are still frustrating us,” said Adebayo Ogunleye, the chairman of the association.

Ogunleye said the traders decided to take their case to the state assembly, hoping to get the intervention of the lawmakers.

“We are appealing to the speaker and the members of the house to help us. We are law-abiding citizens and we want to do our business in a conducive environment,” he said.

A Viable Market

The Orilowo Perishable Food Market Association comprises about 500 traders who deal in fruits, vegetables, and other fresh produce.

They said they have been operating at a temporary site near Orilowo Bus Stop since 2019, when their original market was demolished by the state government.

They said they have secured a plot of land at Plot 705 Adekunle Bus Stop, Ikorodu Road, Agboyi-Ketu LCDA, where they intend to build a modern and standard market.

“We have a vision to make this market one of the best in Lagos. We have a plan to construct shops, cold rooms, toilets, parking lots, and other facilities,” said Ogunleye.

He said the traders have already raised over 100 million naira ($240,000) from their members and other sources to fund the project.

He said they have also obtained the necessary approvals from the state ministries of physical planning and environment, as well as the state fire service.

LCDA’s Response

The majority leader of the state assembly, Noheem Adams, received the protesters and assured them that the house would investigate their matter and ensure justice.

He said the house would invite the chairman of the Agboyi-Ketu LCDA and other relevant agencies to hear their side of the story and find a lasting solution.

“We appreciate your peaceful conduct and we sympathize with your plight. We will do our best to resolve this issue as soon as possible,” he said.

As of the time of filing this report, it was not possible to reach Dele Osinowo, the chairman of the Agboyi-Ketu LCDA, for comment.

However, a source in the council, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the council was not opposed to the traders’ request, but was only following due process.

He said the council was waiting for the final approval from the state government before granting the traders the permission to relocate their market.

He said the council was also concerned about the environmental and social impact of the proposed market, and was working to ensure that it would not pose any problem to the residents and commuters in the area.

The traders said they were hopeful that the state assembly would intervene and expedite the approval of their new market site.

Also, they were eager to move to the new site and start their project, which they said would improve their welfare and contribute to the development of the state.