MAN demands regulation of foreigners in retail trade

The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has urged the Federal Government to regulate foreign nationals' participation in Nigeria's retail trade, raising concerns over the activities of Chinese traders in last-mile retail. MAN's Director-General, Segun Ajayi-Kadir, made this call during a press briefing for the association's 54th Annual General Meeting, following previous protests by traders about Chinese involvement in retail operations at the Lagos Trade Fair Complex.

Ajayi-Kadir noted that several countries have implemented frameworks limiting foreign companies' engagement in specific sectors, and encouraged media scrutiny of the issue. He emphasized the importance of understanding why individuals come to a foreign country and their intended activities, adding that if they engage in additional levels of operations without adequate oversight, it raises questions about the effectiveness of regulatory agencies.

Meanwhile, the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE) has expressed similar concerns in a policy document, stating that the increasing presence of foreign nationals, particularly Chinese traders, in Nigeria's retail and distributive trade sector threatens employment protection, fair competition, and the integrity of the country's immigration and business-permit regime.

The CPPE called for the strengthening of immigration and investment regulations, investigation of complaints from Nigerian traders regarding direct foreign competition at the retail level, and encouragement of foreign businesses to invest upstream in manufacturing and other productive sectors.