An investigation by PUNCH Online has shown that a Chinese supermarket in Abuja does not permit Nigerians to shop there.
The store, located at the China General Chamber of Commerce in Abuja, is known for its Chinese food and drinks.
During a visit, security personnel at the gate confirmed the directive from the store's management to restrict Nigerian shoppers, without providing reasons.
One unnamed officer stated that non-Chinese shoppers are refused entry based on the management's instructions.
According to the officer, the store began the exclusion of Nigerians in January, without disclosing the reason behind the decision.
The officer mentioned that they had requested removal of all online adverts to deter people from coming in.
Nevertheless, the correspondent was allowed entry that day due to being covered by grace on a Sunday.
At another grocery store in Villa 7, a variety of local and foreign food and drinks were on display without price tags.
An attendant, speaking Yoruba, expressed surprise at the Nigerian's entry and speculated that it might be due to not arriving by car.
She also mentioned that the authorities had not explained the reasons for the restriction to them.
The attendant confirmed the prohibition of Nigerians in the supermarket, speculating that arrival by car may affect entry.
Efforts to obtain the general manager's contact were unsuccessful, as security officers and staff were reluctant to provide it.
An official number from the chamber's Google page was unreachable, and no comments were made by the Senior Public Relations Officer.
The Senior Public Relations Officer, Nicholas Utsalo, declined to comment and stated that an investigation into the allegations would be carried out.
Additionally, he requested access to video footage to conduct the investigation.
In response, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Afam Osigwe, criticized the action, stating that it is similar to racism and emphasized the need for increased awareness and measures to address such discriminatory behaviors.
He requested the government to take prompt action and thoroughly investigate the problem to ensure that such incidents do not occur anywhere in the country.
He stated, 'It is definitely concerning that a foreign-owned business in Nigeria would discriminate against nationals of a country by refusing them entry.
“Everything is wrong with any business opening and then applying a system similar to racism in the United States where blacks and other colored persons were not allowed into public transport vehicles and even into business spaces.
“This act is very worthy of strong disapproval. No foreign-owned businesses in Nigeria should deny access to their premises. It is completely wrong, and the Nigerian government should investigate to ensure that such a thing doesn’t happen anywhere in the country.”
