The China General Chamber of Commerce in Nigeria has reacted to the allegations that the Chinese supermarket within the premises of the Royal Choice Estate, Airport Road, Abuja, barred Nigerians from entering.
A video hit social media on Sunday revealing that the Chinese supermarket officials denied access to Nigerians seeking to purchase groceries, generating a public outrage.
Reacting to the incident, in an official statement on Monday, the Chamber explained that the Royal Choice Estate is not a supermarket as widely reported, but rather comprises an office complex and residential apartments.
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“The China Chamber of Commerce is one of several enterprises using the facility, and the supermarket in question is located in the residential area of the estate, which is unrelated to the China Chamber of Commerce in Nigeria,” the statement said.
According to the statement, the residential area of the estate has privately occupied residents who comply with security protocols in granting access to external visitors.
It added that no individual was subjected to discrimination or denied access to the estate or supermarket to purchase groceries as widely believed.
However, the statement expressed regret over the altercation at the estate’s entrance gate between the security personnel and a customer, stressing that it does not reflect the official position of the estate management or the chamber of commerce.
The China General Chamber of Commerce emphasised its commitment to equality and inclusiveness and welcomed first-hand visits to witness the truth.
“Our principles are to enhance friendship between the people of both countries and promote economic development,” the statement added.
Meanwhile, the officials of the Federal Competition and Consumer and Protection Commission (FCCPC) have sealed off the supermarket.
The FCCPC officials invaded the premises, interrogated the Nigerians working at the supermarket, and shut it thereafter.
Nigerians have hailed the agency over the move, wondering why such controversy could arise on the country’s soil.
(DAILY TRUST)
