An Abuja-based Chinese supermarket is being criticised for reportedly prohibiting Nigerians from entering its premises, citing restrictions exclusively for Chinese individuals. Located at the China General Chamber of Commerce along Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Road in the Federal Capital Territory, the management faced backlash after an unidentified FCT resident expressed outrage at the discriminatory treatment towards Nigerians.
In a video, the resident shared his disappointment after attempting to visit the supermarket upon learning that it stocked certain items. However, upon arrival, he was denied entry. He condemned the discriminatory policy, highlighting the irony of Chinese nationals freely accessing various parts of Nigeria while Nigerians face discrimination in their own country.
An X user identified as Erimus @firstObident uploaded a video showing the Nigerian security guards saying they’ll lose their jobs if they allow Nigerians entry into the Chinese-owned supermarket.
Uncle Deji @DejiAdesogan wrote on X, “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.”
Another X user, Isi Kote Ebu @Isikotebuogbaya, said, ” 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, the Senior Public Relations Officer of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, reassured the public that a comprehensive investigation into the allegation would be carried out.
Afam Osigwe (SAN) condemned the management for racism, stressing the importance of addressing such discriminatory practices. He urged the Nigerian government to swiftly intervene to prevent such injustices from happening anywhere in the country.