Chinese commerce chamber denies restricting Nigerians from Abuja supermarket

The China General Chamber of Commerce (CGCC) in Nigeria says no Nigerian has been subjected to discrimination or denied access to Royal Choice, a Chinese supermarket.

Cui Guangzheng, secretary of China Chamber of Commerce, spoke in a statement in Abuja on Monday.

Royal Choice is located at China General Chamber of Commerce and sells Chinese foods and beverages.

The statement follows the viral video of a resident who alleged he was told the Chinese supermarket was off-limits to Nigerians.

Responding to the allegation, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), on April 22, summoned the owners of the supermarket for allegedly refusing to sell to Nigerians.

FCCPC also directed the supermarket to produce and provide its Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) status report showing the details of all directors as well as “any and all lease agreement”. 

However, Guangzheng said the supermarket has never discriminated against any individual. 

He also reiterated the commitment of the chamber to ensuring equality and inclusiveness.

“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,” he said.

“No individual was subjected to discrimination or denied access to the estate or supermarket to purchase groceries as widely believed.

“We regret any altercation at the estate’s entrance gate between the security personnel and a customer, it does not reflect the official position of the estate management or the chamber of commerce.”

Guangzheng also said the principles of the chamber of commerce are to enhance friendship between the people of both countries and promote economic development.