Traders at the Ojota Chemical Market are counting significant financial losses following the Lagos State Government’s decision to close the facility over alleged violations of fire safety regulations.
The shutdown occurred amid ongoing efforts to stabilize Nigeria’s struggling economy, raising questions about enforcement strategies that balance regulatory compliance with economic sustainability.
State authorities ordered the market closure after accusing chemical dealers of failing to meet fire safety requirements. The dispute centers on the procurement of fire extinguishers mandated by the Lagos State Environmental Safety and Management Control.
The regulatory body instructed every chemical dealer to purchase a 6-kilogram acid powder fire extinguisher. Officials offered to supply the equipment at 25,000 naira per unit, but traders said they found the same product available for 17,000 naira through independent suppliers.
Market operators insist they fulfilled the safety directive, but the commission rejected their compliance efforts and proceeded with the closure. According to traders, authorities are now demanding 10 million naira in total—split equally between the market’s two trade unions—as a condition for reopening.
The closure has affected hundreds of shops, leaving chemical dealers unable to conduct business. Daily losses continue to accumulate as the market remains shuttered. Business owners express concern that an extended shutdown could permanently damage their operations, particularly as Nigeria faces persistent inflation, reduced consumer spending, and stagnant economic growth.
This incident follows the government’s demolition of structures at the Trade Fair International Market several months earlier, where merchants reportedly lost goods valued in the millions.
Industry observers acknowledge the importance of safety standards but question whether shutting down major commercial centers serves the broader goal of economic recovery. One stakeholder highlighted the dilemma, noting that while compliance matters, the enforcement method during a period of economic difficulty warrants scrutiny.
For merchants at Ojota, the financial impact grows with each passing day. Many wonder whether such enforcement tactics align with Lagos State’s position as Nigeria’s primary commercial hub.
