TheCable

Nigerians have expressed outrage over the discovery of a Chinese supermarket in Abuja, the federal capital territory (FCT), where Nigerians are not allowed to shop.

The supermarket, located at the China General Chamber of Commerce along Airport road, is known to sell Chinese foods and beverages.

In a viral video, a resident narrated how he was not allowed into the supermarket’s premises and was told it was off-limits to Nigerians.

“There is this Chinese restaurant I saw online. They have food, ramen and other things. So, I wanted to check it out and when I got there the security guard told me the supermarket is strictly for Chinese people. If you are a Nigerian, you can’t go in and can’t buy anything,” he said.

“This supermarket is here in Abuja, Nigeria and Nigerians cannot enter. This is a joke. This means a Chinese national has more rights in Nigeria than a Nigerian because they can enter anywhere they want.”

In a bid to verify the claim, some Nigerian youths visited the supermarket on Monday.

In a video documenting their visit and shared on social media, the youths asked the security guard in front of the supermarket gate how long the “No Nigerians” rule had been in place.

The unnamed guard wearing an all-black uniform, said the supermarket’s management gave the directive in January this year.

He said Nigerians were allowed to enter the supermarket before January, but the management suddenly gave the directive.

When asked the reason he said, “I don’t know”.

‘UTTERLY RIDICULOUS’

Reports of the discovery have since spread on social media with many Nigerians expressing outrage over the restriction.

One X user with the name @toptiercollins, described the development as ridiculous, especially since a Nigerian is employed as a security guard.

Another user accused the supermarket owners of racism while another termed it as discrimination.

Here are a few online reactions by Nigerians.

Nigerians not allowed on a property on Nigerian soil.

Then they pick a Nigerian to do the menial job of a gateman.

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This is utterly ridiculous.😂

— Tequila on the rocks.NYAN 🐉 $MON (@TopTierCollins) April 21, 2024

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FCPCC will not go and lock up that place now if it’s to lock up Nigerian stores you will see them in full force. https://t.co/OvKCUv2YDE

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— Ugo 🦅 (@iSucre7) April 22, 2024

The worst part is nothing can be done about it. Foreigners have more freedom in Nigeria than Nigerians themselves.

— Gracey 🦋 (@Gracebal0) April 21, 2024

It’s the audacity for me. Home and away, we are being treated anyhow. Is there a reason for stopping Nigerians from getting into that store or is it the obvious reason that everyone knows?

— JAY-RADO (@UGONNA_JAY) April 21, 2024

What is the meaning of that? In our own country, we are not allowed access. Can a Nigerian do it in China?

This is really appalling.

— The Emperor (@i_jandor) April 21, 2024

I’m shocked people are just finding out. It sha didn’t start January – it’s been there since last year.
They are 2 in Abuja

— Aunty Grace (@Gracymama1) April 21, 2024

I’m shocked people are just finding out. It sha didn’t start January – it’s been there since last year.
They are 2 in Abuja

— Aunty Grace (@Gracymama1) April 21, 2024

Nigerians are not allowed to enter a supermarket that is in Nigeria and then a Nigerian is used as the gateman ???
These people no really rate us oo

— The Igbo Queen (@_Adaigbo) April 21, 2024

Disrespectful! How are Nigerians not allowed to enter a supermarket because it was built and reserved for Chinese people in Nigeria.

We are likely going to have Chinese Towns and Estates in the next 10 years.

We need mass protest to shut that place down. https://t.co/SxElIISXmL

— Akin Obilana (@AObilana) April 22, 2024