The air was thick with frustration at Daleko Market in Mushin, Lagos, on Tuesday as local traders rallied against what they call a malicious and unfounded rumour threatening their livelihoods.
A viral video had surfaced on social media, accusing the popular rice market of being a smuggling hub—specifically for foreign rice. But the traders are not laughing, even if some Lagosians online have turned the clip into yet another meme.
“No be joke, this thing fit spoil market for us!” said one angry trader, arms folded, standing by a stack of proudly displayed bags of rice.
At a press conference called in the heart of the market, leaders of the Daleko Rice Market described the video as not just false, but a dangerous attempt to paint them as economic saboteurs. And for a market that prides itself on championing local products, the allegations hit a sore spot.
Chief Ibilola Solaja, the Iyalaje of Mushin and Vice President of Nigerian Rice Distribution, didn’t mince words. She was mentioned by name in the now-viral video and isn’t taking it lightly.
“This is pure character assassination,” she said firmly. “We want the government—federal, state, DSS, even the police—to help us dig into this matter. Someone is out to destroy our name and our work.”
Solaja insisted that Daleko is a proud supporter of made-in-Nigeria rice and that the market has played a key role in distributing local brands to households across Lagos and beyond.
“All we sell is Nigerian rice. We are even the ones promoting the government’s policy of food security,” she added.
Her call was echoed by other market leaders, including Alhaji Muftau Adisa, the Babaloja (head trader), who emphasised that every bag of rice sold at Daleko goes through proper channels.
“We are traders, not smugglers,” he said. “We follow the law, and we want those behind this false video to face the law too.”
For many of the traders, the concern is deeper than damaged reputation—it’s about survival. In a tough economy where every grain counts, such claims can scare off buyers and hurt the already fragile trust between local sellers and consumers.
Stellar Mide, a young trader who has spent the last five years in the market, waved off the video as “rubbish talk.”
“People should come and see for themselves. Let them check our rice. No foreign rice here—just good, honest Nigerian rice that wey dey swell when you cook am,” she said with a proud smile.
Market women and men alike are now calling for an official investigation to unmask the origin of the video. They believe the smear campaign is either the handiwork of competitors or those uncomfortable with the growing popularity of local rice.
“Rice business no be small thing for Lagos,” one trader said. “If you spoil my name, you don spoil my daily bread.”
For now, the traders of Daleko are not backing down. They’re standing their ground—armed with Abakaliki, Ofada, and a whole lot of Nigerian resilience.
As the dust settles, one thing is clear: in Nigeria, even a grain of rice can start a storm.
