The China General Chamber of Commerce in Nigeria has clarified the operations of a Chinese supermarket within the premises of the Royal Choice Estate, Airport Road, Abuja.
It denied the allegations in a viral video alleging that it denied access to Nigerians seeking to purchase groceries in the supermarket.
The supermarket had come under criticism for refusing to allow Nigerians to shop in its facility.
But in an official statement Monday sighted by our correspondent, the chamber clarified that the Royal Choice Estate is not a supermarket as widely reported, but rather comprises an office complex and residential apartments.
“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 said.
The statement added that the residential area of the estate consists of privately occupied residents who adhere to security protocols in granting access to external visitors. The statement also stated that no individual was subjected to discrimination or denied access to the estate or supermarket to purchase groceries as widely believed.
Furthermore, the statement expressed regret over the altercation at the estate’s entrance gate between the security personnel and a customer, emphasising that it does not reflect the official position of the estate management or the chamber of commerce.
The China General Chamber of Commerce emphasised its commitment to equality and inclusiveness and welcomed first-hand visits to witness the truth.
“Our principles are to enhance friendship between the people of both countries and promote economic development,” the statement added.
