On Tuesday, August 26, 2025, the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) expressed profound concern over the demolition of the historic Alaba Rago Market in Lagos, describing it as a devastating blow to the livelihoods of thousands of traders and their families. In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Professor T. A. Muhammad-Baba, the ACF highlighted the severe economic setbacks caused by the demolition, while noting with relief that no lives were lost. The Forum extended its sympathies to the affected traders, commended their resilience, and called for calm as it works to gather details and engage with the Lagos State Government and the affected community to find a resolution. The ACF also urged both the Lagos State and Federal Governments to provide immediate relief and rebuilding support to restore economic stability. This article explores the ACF’s response, the significance of Alaba Rago Market, the implications of the demolition, and the broader context of urban development and economic challenges in Nigeria.
The Demolition of Alaba Rago Market: A Severe Economic Blow
The demolition of Alaba Rago Market, a historic trading hub in Lagos, has sent shockwaves through the local community and beyond, prompting the ACF to issue a strong statement of concern. Located in the Ojo Local Government Area, Alaba Rago has long been a bustling marketplace, serving as a vital economic lifeline for traders, primarily from Northern Nigeria, who deal in livestock, agricultural produce, and other goods. The market’s demolition, carried out by the Lagos State Government, has resulted in significant losses of businesses and property, disrupting the livelihoods of thousands of traders and their families.
Professor T. A. Muhammad-Baba, in the ACF’s statement, described the demolition as a “severe blow” to the economic fabric of the affected community. “The demolition has resulted in losses of businesses and property, with disruption to livelihoods and other hardships for thousands of people,” he said. While expressing gratitude that no casualties were reported, the ACF emphasized the scale of the economic devastation, which has left traders without their primary source of income and families grappling with uncertainty.
The ACF’s response reflects its role as a socio-cultural organization representing the interests of Northern Nigeria, a region with a significant presence in Lagos due to migration and trade. Alaba Rago Market has historically been a hub for Northern traders, fostering economic integration and cultural exchange in Nigeria’s commercial capital. The demolition threatens to disrupt these ties, raising concerns about the socioeconomic consequences for both the traders and the broader Lagos economy.
Alaba Rago Market: A Historic Landmark
Alaba Rago Market is more than just a commercial space; it is a historic landmark that has played a central role in Lagos’s economic and cultural landscape for decades. Established as a key trading hub for livestock and agricultural products, the market has been a vital link between Northern Nigeria’s agricultural producers and Southern consumers. Traders at Alaba Rago have supplied meat, grains, and other essentials to Lagos’s growing population, contributing to food security and economic activity in the region.
The market’s significance extends beyond economics, serving as a cultural and social hub for Northern communities in Lagos. It has provided a space for traders to build networks, share traditions, and integrate into the cosmopolitan fabric of the city. The ACF’s statement underscored this legacy, noting that “Alaba Rago has been a historic landmark in Lagos, and ACF believes it will remain so.” The Forum’s optimism about the market’s future reflects its belief in the resilience of the trading community and the enduring importance of Alaba Rago as a symbol of economic and cultural connectivity.
The demolition of such a significant market raises questions about urban development policies and their impact on vulnerable communities. While the Lagos State Government has not publicly detailed the reasons for the demolition, it is likely linked to ongoing urban renewal efforts aimed at modernizing infrastructure and addressing issues like congestion and sanitation. However, the lack of clarity and the abrupt nature of the demolition have fueled criticism, with the ACF and other stakeholders calling for greater transparency and support for affected traders.
ACF’s Response: Sympathy, Engagement, and Advocacy
The ACF’s statement reflects a multifaceted response to the demolition, combining sympathy for the victims, a call for calm, and a commitment to constructive engagement. Professor Muhammad-Baba extended the Forum’s sympathies to the affected traders, acknowledging the “crushing economic setbacks” they have endured. This gesture underscores the ACF’s role as a voice for Northern communities, advocating for their welfare and rights in the face of adversity.
The call for calm is particularly significant in the context of Nigeria’s complex socio-political dynamics, where incidents like market demolitions can exacerbate ethnic and regional tensions. By urging restraint, the ACF aims to prevent escalation and foster dialogue between the affected community and the Lagos State Government. The Forum’s assurance that it is “gathering full details of the incident” demonstrates a proactive approach to understanding the circumstances surrounding the demolition, ensuring that its advocacy is informed by accurate information.
The ACF’s commitment to engaging with both the Lagos State Government and the affected community highlights its role as a mediator and advocate. By facilitating dialogue, the Forum seeks to address the immediate needs of traders while working toward a long-term resolution. This approach aligns with the ACF’s broader mission to promote unity, development, and cooperation across Nigeria’s diverse regions.
Call for Government Support and Rebuilding
One of the ACF’s key demands is for the Lagos State and Federal Governments to provide immediate relief and assistance to traders who have lost their livelihoods. The demolition has left thousands of traders without shops, goods, or income, plunging families into economic hardship. The ACF emphasized that “immediate rebuilding support is essential to restoring economic stability,” calling for measures such as financial aid, low-interest loans, and infrastructure development to help traders recover.
The call for government intervention is particularly urgent given the broader economic challenges facing Nigeria. The removal of fuel subsidies in May 2023 has driven inflation to 34.2 percent as of July 2025, according to the National Bureau of Statistics, increasing the cost of living and straining small businesses. For traders at Alaba Rago, many of whom operate on thin margins, the loss of their businesses exacerbates these pressures, threatening their ability to support their families.
Rebuilding support could take several forms, including the construction of a modern market facility with improved infrastructure, such as proper drainage, sanitation, and security. The ACF’s optimism that “in time, the market will regain its vibrancy and prosperity” reflects its belief that with the right support, Alaba Rago can reclaim its status as a thriving economic hub. The Forum’s call for government assistance aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which emphasizes job creation, social welfare, and economic resilience.
The Broader Context: Urban Development and Economic Challenges
The demolition of Alaba Rago Market must be understood within the context of Lagos’s ongoing urban development efforts. As Nigeria’s commercial capital and one of Africa’s largest cities, Lagos faces significant challenges related to population growth, urbanization, and infrastructure deficits. The Lagos State Government, under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has prioritized urban renewal projects to modernize the city, improve infrastructure, and address issues like informal settlements and unregulated markets.
While these efforts aim to enhance Lagos’s global competitiveness and livability, they often come at the cost of displacing vulnerable communities. Market demolitions, such as those at Alaba Rago and other locations like Oshodi and Tejuosho, have sparked debates about balancing development with social equity. Critics argue that such actions disproportionately affect low-income traders and informal sector workers, who lack the resources to recover from disruptions.
The economic fallout from the Alaba Rago demolition is compounded by Nigeria’s broader economic challenges. The fuel subsidy removal, while creating fiscal space for infrastructure investments, has increased transportation and production costs, impacting small businesses and traders. Foreign exchange volatility, driven by Nigeria’s reliance on oil exports, has also made it difficult for traders to procure goods, many of which are imported. The ACF’s call for relief and rebuilding support reflects the need for targeted interventions to mitigate these challenges and support vulnerable communities.
Implications for Northern Communities and National Unity
The demolition of Alaba Rago Market has significant implications for Northern communities in Lagos, who form a substantial portion of the market’s traders. These communities, primarily from states like Kano, Kaduna, and Borno, have long relied on markets like Alaba Rago for economic survival and cultural integration. The loss of their businesses threatens to disrupt these networks, potentially leading to economic displacement and social tensions.
The ACF’s response underscores its role as a unifying force, advocating for the interests of Northerners while promoting dialogue with the Lagos State Government. By engaging constructively, the Forum seeks to prevent the incident from escalating into a broader regional conflict, which could undermine Nigeria’s fragile unity. The call for calm and collaboration reflects a commitment to national cohesion, emphasizing the importance of addressing grievances through dialogue rather than confrontation.
Opportunities for Recovery and Resilience
Despite the challenges posed by the demolition, there are significant opportunities for recovery and resilience. The ACF’s optimism about the market’s future reflects the resilience of the trading community, which has historically adapted to adversity. With government support, Alaba Rago could be rebuilt as a modern, well-equipped market, offering traders improved facilities and greater economic opportunities.
The Lagos State Government’s urban renewal initiatives provide an opportunity to integrate Alaba Rago into broader development plans. For example, the construction of a modern market with enhanced infrastructure could attract more customers, boost trade, and create jobs. Public-private partnerships could also play a role, with private investors contributing to the rebuilding process in exchange for long-term economic benefits.
The Federal Government’s involvement, as urged by the ACF, could further enhance recovery efforts. Programs like the National Social Investment Programme and the Central Bank of Nigeria’s SME financing schemes could provide financial support to affected traders, enabling them to restart their businesses. By combining state and federal resources, the government can ensure that Alaba Rago regains its vibrancy and continues to serve as a vital economic hub.
The Role of Stakeholder Engagement
The ACF’s commitment to gathering details and engaging with the Lagos State Government and the affected community highlights the importance of stakeholder collaboration. By fostering dialogue, the Forum can ensure that the needs and perspectives of traders are considered in the rebuilding process. This approach aligns with broader trends in Nigeria toward participatory governance, where communities and civil society play a critical role in shaping policies.
The NGIJ’s Governance Assessment visit, ongoing in Kaduna, offers a model for how investigative journalism can support accountability and transparency. By extending similar efforts to Lagos, the NGIJ could assess the impact of the Alaba Rago demolition and advocate for the rights of affected traders. Such initiatives strengthen the social contract between the government and citizens, ensuring that development policies are inclusive and equitable.
Conclusion
The Arewa Consultative Forum’s statement on August 26, 2025, condemning the demolition of Alaba Rago Market underscores the profound economic and social impact of the action on thousands of traders and their families. By expressing sympathy, calling for calm, and advocating for government support, the ACF is playing a critical role in addressing the crisis and promoting a constructive resolution. The demolition, while devastating, highlights the broader challenges of urban development and economic hardship in Nigeria, particularly in the context of inflation and fuel subsidy removal.
The ACF’s call for relief and rebuilding support offers a path forward, emphasizing the need for collaboration between the Lagos State Government, the Federal Government, and the affected community. By rebuilding Alaba Rago as a modern, vibrant market, stakeholders can restore economic stability and preserve its status as a historic landmark. As Nigeria navigates its complex economic and social landscape, the ACF’s advocacy for the Alaba Rago traders reflects a commitment to justice, resilience, and national unity.
