China Chamber Denies Discrimination as FCCPC Shutdown Chinese Supermarket in Abuja

…Sparks Controversy

A recent social media video has ignited controversy in Abuja, Nigeria, sparking accusations of racial discrimination against a Chinese supermarket located within the Royal Choice Estate.

Viral Video Fuels Controversy

The video, shared by an unidentified resident of Abuja, alleges that Nigerians were barred from entering the chinese supermarket, sparking outrage online.

Chinese Chamber Denies Discrimination

In response to the viral video, the China General Chamber of Commerce (CGCC) in Nigeria issued a statement vehemently denying the allegations. The CGCC Secretary, Mr. Cui Guangzheng, emphasized their commitment to promoting equality and inclusivity. They clarified that the chinese supermarket is situated within the residential area of the estate, and the CGCC is just one of several businesses using the facility.

CGCC Blames Misunderstanding

Guangzheng addressed a reported altercation between security personnel and a customer at the estate’s entrance. He maintained that this was an isolated incident and doesn’t reflect the official stance of either the estate management or the CGCC.

Consumer Protection Agency Takes Action

CGCC’s claims and statement was coming on the heels of the federal govt action. Officials from Nigeria’s Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) took a more decisive stance. On Monday, FCCPC officials raided the supermarket and sealed it off. This action directly contradicts the CGCC’s statement, suggesting the consumer protection agency has reason to believe discriminatory practices were occurring.

Conflicting Narratives

The estate’s facility manager, Shaibu Sanusi, added another layer of complexity to the situation. Sanusi confirmed that Nigerians residing outside the estate were not allowed to shop at the supermarket, while those living within the complex could access it.

Unresolved Issue

With the supermarket currently sealed and investigations ongoing, the exact nature of the incident remains unclear. The FCCPC’s actions suggest they believe Nigerians faced discrimination, while the CGCC maintains there was a misunderstanding.

However, FCCPC has summoned the owner of a Chinese supermarket for allegedly discriminating against Nigerians by restricting their entry.

Nigerians await a resolution to this controversy and a definitive answer on whether the supermarket engaged in discriminatory practices.