April 19, 2026
By SUNTV Global Channel
Tension is rising at as traders and shop owners have accused market authorities of extortion, manipulation, and lack of transparency in an ongoing remodelling project that threatens their livelihoods.
In a petition signed by Mujaheed Salaam on behalf of concerned traders, the group alleged that the market leadership is demanding as much as ₦7 million for newly redesigned shops—despite reducing shop sizes and limiting ownership rights.
According to the traders, the project, which began in September 2024, was initially presented as a government-backed effort to improve the market and prevent relocation. However, they now claim the initiative is being driven by a private company allegedly linked to market leaders, with no clear approval from the .
The petition described the process as “deeply exploitative,” accusing the leadership of favouring a select group while sidelining long-time traders.
Shop prices, they said, have fluctuated—starting at ₦6 million, dropping to ₦5 million after protests, and then rising again to ₦7 million. Traders who cannot afford the fees are reportedly being pressured to sell their shops for as low as ₦1 million to new buyers, who then pay the full amount to the market authorities.
“This is nothing short of dispossession,” one affected trader lamented, warning that many business owners risk losing shops they have operated for decades.
Further concerns were raised over the restructuring terms, which allegedly grant traders ownership of only the ground floor, while upper levels remain under the control of market leadership.
Even more alarming, operators of public toilet facilities within the market claim they are being asked to pay up to ₦28 million for new allocations—without compensation for previously demolished structures.
The traders also accused the leadership of arbitrary allocation practices, claiming that several legitimate shop owners have been displaced, while others were assigned shops unsuitable for their businesses.
Beyond the remodelling controversy, the petition highlighted broader governance issues. Despite generating millions of naira daily, traders allege that the market has seen little to no meaningful development in over seven years. They also raised concerns over the heavy use of cash transactions, which they say undermines accountability.
According to the petitioners, dissent is often met with harsh penalties, including shop closures, suspension, or outright banishment from the market.
The aggrieved traders are now calling on the Lagos State Government to urgently intervene by setting up an independent panel to investigate the market’s finances and clarify whether the remodelling project has official approval.
They also demanded assurances that the market will not be relocated after the redevelopment is completed.
As tensions continue to mount, the unfolding crisis at Mile 12 underscores growing concerns over transparency, governance, and the protection of small business owners in one of Lagos’ busiest commercial hubs.
