Traders reportedly threaten to drive Chinese business operators away, accusing them of selling phones directly to customers at lower prices.
Tension has reportedly erupted in a Kano market after local phone traders moved against Chinese nationals accused of selling mobile phones directly to customers at cheaper prices.
A video circulating on social media shows some traders warning the Chinese nationals to stop conducting business in the market and its surrounding areas.
“We don’t want to see any of you in this market or even in this area. We don’t want to see you,” one of the traders was heard saying in the video.
Another trader declared: “We don’t want to see any China person coming to this market and doing business. We have our own organization and our own time.”
The traders’ reported action has drawn attention to tensions between local retailers and foreign business operators over pricing, direct sales and competition in the mobile phone market.
The allegations suggest that the traders are opposed to Chinese nationals selling phones directly to consumers at prices they consider a threat to their businesses.
However, the circumstances surrounding the confrontation remain unclear, and the identities and responses of the Chinese nationals involved have not been independently established.
It is also unclear whether the incident has attracted the attention of market authorities, security agencies or relevant government officials.
The development raises questions about how market disputes involving local traders and foreign business operators are handled, particularly where allegations of unfair competition are involved.
While traders have legitimate interests in protecting their businesses, disputes over pricing and market access should be addressed through lawful channels rather than intimidation or threats.
Further details obtained by this online newspaper will be published as more verified information emerges.
