An uproar has erupted as the management of a Chinese supermarket in Abuja faces backlash for its discriminatory policy, which denies entry to Nigerians.
Located at the China General Chamber of Commerce along Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Road, the supermarket, known for its Chinese cuisine and beverages, has sparked outrage by exclusively admitting individuals of Chinese descent.
A viral video captured by X Daily showed a frustrated FCT resident expressing disbelief at the discriminatory practice, questioning its legitimacy in Nigeria.
In the video, The quoted the resident as lamenting, “Wonders shall never end. There is a supermarket I saw online that is a Chinese supermarket. They have Chinese food, ramen and other things. I wanted to go there and check it out but I was denied entry. The security officers at the gate said the supermarket was strictly for Chinese people and no Nigerian is allowed to go inside or buy anything. Is that possible in China?
“This supermarket is here in Abuja and a Nigerian cannot enter. This is a joke. So that means a Chinese guy has more rights than you here in Nigeria. Chinese guys are allowed to visit anywhere in the country. The thing shocked me oo. Now I am going back to our local supermarket because they said I cannot enter.”
Social media users, including Uncle Deji and Otunba AbdulFattah, echoed the sentiment, highlighting instances of being denied entry solely based on nationality.
A review by Whitney Ukanga on Google further criticized the discriminatory policy, condemning the intrusion of foreign practices into Nigerian soil.
Upon investigation, security personnel confirmed the directive from management, citing a sudden shift in policy without explanation. Despite this, our correspondent was granted access on a Sunday, which the officer attributed to divine favor.
Inside, a mix of foreign and local products were observed, devoid of price tags, while attendants expressed surprise at the presence of a Nigerian customer, indicating a restriction on entry, particularly for those arriving by car.
Efforts to obtain official clarification were met with reluctance from both security and staff members, highlighting the secrecy surrounding the issue.
Nicholas Utsalo of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission pledged an investigation into the matter, seeking access to video evidence.
Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Afam Osigwe, condemned the discriminatory practice, likening it to racism and calling for government intervention to prevent such occurrences nationwide.
