Chinese supermarket in Abuja closed over Nigerian discrimination claims

A Chinese owned supermarket in Nigeria’s capital has been closed by authorities following allegations that it discriminates against African shoppers.

The store in Abuja reportedly only allows individuals of Chinese descent to enter, according to Nigeria’s consumer protection watchdog.

The owner of the supermarket has been summoned by the authorities, while the Chinese chamber of commerce in Nigeria has denied the racism accusations. The supermarket operates as a tenant in a building managed by the China General Chamber of Commerce (CGCC).

Nigeria’s Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has initiated an investigation into the matter after social media outcry over Nigerians being denied entry to the supermarket.

Videos circulated online showed individuals claiming they were blocked from entering the supermarket complex because they were not of Chinese descent.

Former senator Shehu Sani and other Nigerians have called for the closure of the supermarket, asserting that any business inaccessible to citizens should face consequences.

The CGCC stated its commitment to equality and inclusiveness, emphasizing its aim to foster friendship and economic development between Nigeria and China.

Meanwhile, an administrator at the building housing the supermarket clarified that it initially catered to the building’s tenants but allowed entry to outside shoppers, including non-Chinese visitors.

The owner of the supermarket has been summoned to appear before the consumer protection agency by Wednesday. The watchdog has announced that the supermarket will remain closed until the owner complies with the summons.

Source – bbc.com