A Nigerian businessman based in China, Tochukwu Harrison Mmaduboallor, has accused popular social media critic VeryDarkMan (VDM) of endangering the livelihoods of Igbo traders by allegedly exposing confidential trade networks in his recent videos.
In a video shared online, Tochukwu criticized VDM for revealing sensitive business information that, in his view, could harm Igbo entrepreneurs operating in China. He argued that the influencer’s effort to help Nigerians buy goods directly from Chinese factories might disrupt business models that many Igbo traders rely on for survival.
“VeryDarkMan will render many Igbo youths in China useless, all in the name of helping Nigerians import goods cheaper,” Tochukwu said. “Business is all about secrecy. Real businessmen don’t introduce their suppliers to their customers.”
He maintained that supplier confidentiality is essential for maintaining profits, warning that public exposure of such details could result in financial losses and heightened competition.
Tochukwu further cautioned that VDM’s actions might unintentionally weaken the economic strength of Igbo traders in China. He highlighted that Igbo businessmen have built their networks through years of perseverance, secrecy, and trust.
He added that many traders invest over ₦2 million in travel and endure difficult conditions abroad to sustain their businesses.
“Some of us sleep on the streets just to make sure our trade survives. These sacrifices and the secrecy behind our supplier networks are what keep us going,” Tochukwu explained.
He expressed concern that directly linking Nigerian buyers with Chinese suppliers could dismantle existing relationships and erode the competitive advantage Igbo traders have established.
Tochukwu concluded that the Igbo community maintains a leading role in Nigeria’s trade relations with China, ahead of other ethnic groups. He warned that exposing trade routes and supplier details could destabilize a system that has supported countless families for decades.
While acknowledging VDM’s intention to promote transparency and economic empowerment, Tochukwu urged influencers to understand the complexities of global trade before publicizing information that could threaten established livelihoods.
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