Veteran Nollywood actor Joseph Okechukwu has alleged that the Federal Government brought large numbers of Chinese nationals into Nigeria to undermine Igbo owned businesses.
Okechukwu made the claim while reacting to a recent protest by traders at the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex over the alleged involvement of Chinese nationals in retail trading.
The protest, which took place at markets within the complex along the Lagos Badagry Expressway, was driven by complaints that Chinese businesses were selling directly to consumers and competing with Nigerian retailers.
Reacting to the development, Okechukwu alleged that the presence of Chinese traders was part of a broader attempt to weaken businesses owned by Igbo people.
“Yorubas are even giving their lands free to the Chinese just to destroy Igbo businesses. They don’t know us Igbos,” he said.
He further called for greater economic development in the South East, expressing confidence that more manufacturing businesses would emerge in the region.
“Manufacturing companies will soon start springing up everywhere in the South East,” Okechukwu said.
His comments come amid growing concerns from traders at the Lagos Trade Fair Complex, who have accused some Chinese manufacturers and wholesalers of expanding into retail and selling directly to customers at prices they struggle to match.
The traders’ allegations about the activities of Chinese businesses have not been independently verified, while reports did not establish Okechukwu’s allegation that the Federal Government brought Chinese nationals into Nigeria specifically to target Igbo businesses. The protest was later suspended following interventions by market leaders, local government officials and the police.
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