The Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE), an organization that promotes and advocates for private enterprise development in Nigeria, has called for a review of business permits, expatriate quotas, and immigration approvals for foreign nationals operating in the retail sector. This move comes following a protest by some auto spare parts traders at the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex against the alleged involvement of Chinese nationals in retail trading, according to multiple sources including Premium Times Nigeria and TheCable.
In a statement released on September 20th, CPPE stated that the growing presence of foreign traders, particularly Chinese nationals, could put additional pressure on Nigerian small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and potentially lead to job losses. According to CPPE, this incursion into the retail market is threatening the growth and sustainability of these SMEs.
“The influx of foreign traders, particularly Chinese nationals, into Nigeria’s retail sector poses a significant challenge to our local businesses. This trend not only threatens the survival of existing SMEs but also stifles the emergence of new ones”, said CPPE’s Director-General, Dr. Muda Yusuf.
The Nigerian government has yet to comment on the issue, and it remains unclear when a review of foreign traders’ permits will take place.
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