The China General Chamber of Commerce (CGCC) in Abuja, Nigeria, has firmly denied claims that Nigerians have been subjected to discrimination or denied access to a Chinese supermarket located within the Royal Choice Estate premises.
In a statement issued on Monday, Cui Guangzheng, the Secretary of the China Chamber of Commerce, addressed the allegations, stating that no individual has been discriminated against or barred from entering the supermarket.
The Royal Choice Estate houses a Chinese supermarket that specialises in selling Chinese foods and beverages. However, a viral video surfaced depicting a resident who claimed they were informed that the supermarket was off-limits to Nigerians.
In response to this allegation, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) summoned the owners of the supermarket on April 22, alleging that they had refused to sell to Nigerians. The FCCPC also directed the supermarket to produce its Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) status report, detailing the directors as well as any applicable lease agreements.
Guangzheng categorically refuted the discrimination claims, emphasising that the supermarket has never discriminated against any individual based on their nationality or background. He reiterated the chamber’s commitment to ensuring equality and inclusiveness.
“The China Chamber of Commerce is one of several enterprises operating within the facility, and the supermarket in question is located in the residential area of the estate,” Guangzheng stated. “No individual was subjected to discrimination or denied access to the estate or supermarket to purchase groceries, as widely believed.”
Guangzheng acknowledged an altercation that occurred at the estate’s entrance gate between security personnel and a customer. However, he clarified that this incident did not reflect the official stance of the estate management or the chamber of commerce.
The China General Chamber of Commerce in Abuja has reassured the public of its dedication to promoting an inclusive environment and maintaining a harmonious relationship with the Nigerian community.