Criticism is directed at an Abuja-based Chinese supermarket for reportedly barring Nigerians from entering its premises, citing restrictions exclusively for Chinese individuals.
The supermarket, located at the China General Chamber of Commerce along Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Road in the Federal Capital Territory, faced backlash after a video surfaced of an unidentified FCT resident expressing outrage over being denied entry due to his nationality.
In the video, the resident voiced disappointment after discovering the supermarket stocked certain items, only to be turned away upon arrival.
He condemned the discriminatory policy, pointing out the irony of Chinese nationals enjoying unrestricted access to various parts of Nigeria while Nigerians face exclusion in their own country.
A video uploaded by a user identified as Erimus @firstObident showed Nigerian security guards stating they would lose their jobs if they allowed Nigerians into the Chinese-owned supermarket.
Social media users also voiced their dismay. Uncle Deji @DejiAdesogan tweeted, “So there’s a Chinese supermarket in Abuja that Nigerians cannot enter, let alone buy anything, that only Chinese are allowed? So weird to believe.”
Similarly, Isi Kote Ebu @Isikotebuogbaya commented, “I just saw videos from the Chinese supermarket in Abuja where Nigerians are not allowed to enter. The funniest thing is that Nigerians are the security men stopping Nigerians from entering the supermarket. Chinese people can only do that in a country like Nigeria… You know why?”
Whitney Ukanga’s review on the chamber’s Google page described the policy as “horrible and absurd.” Nicholas Utsalo, Senior Public Relations Officer of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, assured the public that a comprehensive investigation into the allegation would be conducted.
Afam Osigwe (SAN) condemned the management for racism, emphasizing the importance of addressing such discriminatory practices. He urged the Nigerian government to swiftly intervene to prevent such injustices from occurring anywhere in the country.
