By our correspondent

The House of Representatives Committee on China/Nigeria Relations has expressed concern over the recent allegations of discrimination against Nigerians, reportedly at a supermarket in Abuja operated by Chinese nationals affiliated with the China General Chamber of Commerce.

The committee has called for caution from the general public while it resolved to investigate the matter to bring any infringments on the right of the general public to account. 

This is according to a statement today (Tuesday) by the Honourable Jaafaru Yakubu, Chairman of the Nigeria-China Relations Committee of the House. 

Recall that the social media was awash, Monday, with reports alleging discriminatory practices of operators against prospective Nigerian customers at the said supermaket along Airport road in Lugbe axis of the Federal Capital Territory of Abuja. 

In a refutal, the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce which operates the supermaket had on Monday denied the alleged discrimination against Nigerians seeking to purchase groceries at the said supermarket located at the Royal Choice estate, Airport Road. 

In response to the allegations today, Representative Yakubu said the House Committee is working with other relevant committees to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter.

“We will work diligently to gather all relevant information and ensure redress where necessary.

“We urge all parties involved to approach these issues with sensitivity and open-mindedness, and to work towards finding peaceful and constructive solutions. It is crucial that we do not let isolated incidents tarnish the strong bonds of friendship that exist between Nigeria and China.

“We will continue to monitor the situation closely and work with relevant stakeholders to ensure that all Nigerians are treated fairly and respectfully in Chinese establishments in Nigeria. We remain committed to promoting cultural exchange, economic cooperation, and mutual understanding between our two nations.” Yakubu said.

He said Nigeria and China share a longstanding relationship characterized by mutual respect, cooperation, and friendship, and that over the years, this relationship has been strengthened through various bilateral partnerships, economic collaborations, and cultural exchanges, benefiting both countries immensely.

“As a committee tasked with fostering positive and mutually beneficial relations between Nigeria and China, we want to emphasize that such discriminatory practices, if substantiated by relevant authorities, go against the principles of friendship and cooperation that our two countries have worked hard to cultivate over the years. We believe in the importance of mutual respect and understanding between nations, and we condemn any form of discrimination or prejudice.

“It is important to note that Nigeria and China have enjoyed fruitful collaborations in various sectors, including infrastructure development, trade, education, and healthcare. The ongoing partnership between our two countries has led to the completion of major projects such as the Abuja-Kaduna railway, the Zungeru hydropower project, and the ongoing construction of the Lagos-Ibadan railway, among others.

“Furthermore, the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria continues to promote excellent China/Nigeria relations through socio-cultural exchanges and scholarships for many Nigerian students. These initiatives have played a significant role in enhancing mutual understanding and friendship between our two peoples,” Representative Yakubu said in the statement.

In their earlier statement on Monday, the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce provided the following explanations in respect of the alleged discrimination. 

It said the Royal Choice Estate comprises of an office complex and residential apartments, and is not a Supermarket;

That the office complex accommodates various companies, including the China General Chamber of Commerce;

That the China General Chamber of Commerce and the supermarket are completely unrelated entities;

That the residential area of the estate consists of privately occupied residences. Access for external visitors must adhere to security protocols for safety reasons;

That the supermarket manager asserts that no individual was subjected to discrimination or denied access to the estate or supermarket to purchase groceries;

And that the altercation at the estate’s entrance gate between the security personnel and a customer was regretable and did not in any way reflect the official position of the estate management. 

“The China General Chamber of Commerce is an organization that believes in equality and inclusiveness. 

“Our principles are to enhance friendship between the people of both countries and promote economic development. Seeing is believing. We welcome firsthand visits to witness the truth,” the statement said.