Otti Raises Alarm As Chinese Traders Flood Lagos Markets, Warns Ndigbo

Abia State Governor Alex Otti has urged Ndigbo to move beyond conventional trading and expand their focus to manufacturing and digital commerce in response to changing economic trends and increasing competition in Nigeria’s retail sector.

According to Bush Radio Academy, Otti made the call on Monday night at the Michael Okpara Auditorium in Umuahia during an Igbo Day lecture and dinner organised by Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.

The governor challenged Igbo entrepreneurs to rethink their traditional business model, particularly in light of the growing presence of Chinese traders in Lagos markets and their increasing participation in retail activities.

Otti said the development should encourage Ndigbo to explore new areas of economic opportunity rather than relying predominantly on physical markets and conventional trading.

He explained that his administration was positioning Abia State as a manufacturing and technology hub, with investments in digital skills and initiatives aimed at preparing young people for participation in the global digital economy.

According to the governor, Abia’s economic strategy is gradually shifting from dependence on physical markets towards manufacturing and technology-driven commerce.

“We are leaving that place of trading. In Abia, we have markets; the markets are important. But we are moving from the market to manufacturing,” Otti said.

He also highlighted the importance of digital commerce, noting that businesses increasingly need to adapt to online platforms and technology-driven methods of reaching customers.

“We are driving digital delivery. We are leaving that physical store for digital delivery. So, when somebody talked about Alibaba, that’s exactly where we are headed,” he said.

Addressing concerns over the growing presence of Chinese traders in Lagos, Otti said the trend should be viewed as an indication of changes taking place in the global economy.

He encouraged Ndigbo to respond by embracing manufacturing and digital trading rather than relying solely on traditional retail businesses.

“So, why are the Chinese coming to compete with us? We are moving away from there. And it’s going to start in Abia,” the governor said.

Otti added that while Abia would continue to support conventional markets and trading, his administration was placing greater emphasis on manufacturing and digital commerce as part of its broader economic development strategy.

“Abia is both manufacturing and then trading. But we are moving from conventional trading to digital trading. That’s where the world is going. You either embrace it, or you risk being left behind,” he warned.