Abuja Supermarket Incident: Chinese Chamber of Commerce denies discrimination against Nigerians

The China General Chamber of Commerce in Nigeria has denied allegations of discrimination against Nigerians at a supermarket in Abuja, following a viral video that sparked outrage on social media.

In a statement issued on Monday, the Chamber clarified that the Royal Choice Estate, where the supermarket is located, is a residential complex with a private supermarket for residents, and not a public supermarket as widely reported.

The Chamber stated that the altercation between security personnel and a customer at the estate's entrance gate was an isolated incident and does not reflect the official position of the estate management or the Chamber of Commerce.

"We welcome people of all nationalities to visit and do business with us. Our principles are to enhance friendship between the people of both countries and promote economic development," the statement said.

The Chamber emphasized its commitment to equality and inclusiveness, and invited the public to visit the estate to witness the truth.

The viral video had sparked widespread condemnation and calls for a boycott of Chinese businesses in Nigeria, but the Chamber's statement has clarified the situation and denied any discrimination against Nigerians.

The controversy began when a video surfaced online showing a Nigerian national in a heated exchange with security personnel at the gate of the Royal Choice Estate. 

The individual claimed they were barred from entering the supermarket to make purchases, leading to accusations of discriminatory practices against Nigerians by the Chinese establishment.

However, the China General Chamber of Commerce in Nigeria swiftly responded to the rising tensions, providing context to the incident. 

"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 elaborated.

Moreover, the statement shed light on the operational protocols of the residential area, stating, "The residential area of the estate consists of privately occupied residents who adhere to security protocols in granting access to external visitors." 

It further asserted that no individual was subjected to discrimination or denied access to the estate or supermarket to purchase groceries as widely believed.

The situation escalated quickly on social media as the video went viral, leading to a misunderstanding about the nature of the supermarket and the involvement of the China General Chamber of Commerce. 

Addressing the incident that occurred at the entrance, the Chamber expressed regret over the misunderstanding. 

"We regret the altercation at the estate's entrance gate and emphasize that it does not reflect the official position of the estate management or the chamber of commerce," the statement clarified.

The China General Chamber of Commerce reaffirmed its stance on fostering a positive relationship between China and Nigeria. 

"Our principles are to enhance friendship between the people of both countries and promote economic development," the Chamber reiterated, aiming to dispel any lingering doubts about its commitment to inclusivity and equal treatment.

They urged the public to verify facts and avoid unfounded conclusions, highlighting the importance of first-hand experiences in understanding the truth of the matter.