Nigerian exhibitors at the annual Lagos International Trade Fair have raised the alarm over what they describe as dismal organisation and blatant discrimination against local participants.
In messages exchanged in a group WhatsApp chat created by the fair’s organizers, exhibitors expressed frustration and anger over alleged restrictions on basic amenities that appeared to favor foreign attendees.
One of the primary grievances centered on restroom access. According to several Nigerian exhibitors, they were barred from using certain restrooms that were reportedly designated for foreign participants.
When Credible News made enquiries, managers of the restrooms said Dangote Industries, Japan International Cooperation Agency and some Chinese investors had exclusive right to use designated conveniences because they paid for them.
One exhibitor recounted an incident where he was denied entry to a restroom, even after offering to pay a fee for access. He stated that a cleaner turned him away bluntly, insisting the restroom was reserved for “white exhibitors” only.
His message reads: “Good morning admin / fellow exhibitors.
“I experienced the most embarrassing moment yesterday.I tried to use the restroom for the very first time, and the cleaner told me it was meant only for white exhibitors.
“I was shocked and beg to pay #1,000 to use the facility because I was really pressed, like I almost messed myself up.
“The cleaner this time shouted at me, shot the door and refused me to go in.
“It hurts deeply to be subjected to such discrimination, especially when a restroom designated for white individuals is off-limits to me. What makes them better than me?
“It’s hard to understand how despite the significant fees paid by exhibitors, we are left with a dirty restroom while others (the so-called whites) had access to a better one.
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“What made it even worse was hearing the cleaner insist that the restroom was only for white exhibitors. I’m still shaken by this experience, feeling discriminated against in my own country, despite paying a hefty amount to participate.
“I urge the organizers and administration to address this issue and ensure that all exhibitors are treated with respect and dignity.”
Another complainer equally voiced out her frustration saying: “I would like to express my concern regarding the VVIP toilet being restricted to certain individuals.
“ While I understand that this may be part of the policy, I find it to be discriminatory. If such restrictions are in place, I believe it would be fair to maintain a similar standard for all other restrooms.
“It is unreasonable to expect individuals to hold their pee or whatever until they are able to leave the premises simply because access to the other facilities is restricted.
“It’s unfair and unacceptable, I appreciate your attention to this matter.”
Alongside the discrimination are other complaints which include power outages, at their booths, leaving customers in discomfort as they struggled with the heat due to non-functional air conditioning.
The exhibitors reported that the loss of lighting had impacted their ability to operate, frustrating both the exhibitors and customers amid the trade fair’s facilities issues.
“Dear Organizers, please restore the light. We are suffocating here, customers are running away. From Polystar Electronics limited,” an exhibitor said.
“Make Una give us Light ooooo.
“You guys said we should not switch on our big diesel gen, yet, una no give us Light. Our customers are leaving our showroom oo.
“Please, our electricity has been off for about an hour now. Behind Hall 7.
“Please Hall 7 the metal Booth is shocking people because of the rain that fell. Please urgently rectify,” they lamented.
Amid mounting complaints from the Nigerian exhibitors over restricted restroom access and inadequate facilities, trade fair officials have pledged swift action to address the issues.
Assuring participants of a prompt resolution, the management aims to restore comfort and fairness at the event following the exhibitors’ growing concerns.
“I have been informed that the a/c at that side is not working due to capacitor issues, they have taken inventory and made arrangements to buy, replace and get the a/c working.
“Please kindly give us till 4pm to update us on the status. We are sorry for the inconveniences. Please bear with us,” an official had said.
Credible News.ng
