Contrary to media reports, especially as also reported by Metronews, that a certain Chinese restaurant in Ikeja is engaged in racial discrimination against potential Nigerian customers, Lagos State government took it upon itself to investigate to ascertain the veracity of the report.
According to a press statement released and signed by the Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Steve Ayorinde, two officers were sent to investigate the claim.
“The officers who went under disguise found the allegations to be false,” the commissioner said.
“The officers were served without any questions or discrimination. They also took photographs without being noticed. Our officers also observed that the restaurant had a number of Nigerians working inside there and did similarly observe that peppersoup, a Nigerian delicacy is also on the menu.”
Ayorinde confirmed that the restaurant has been conducting business legally in Lagos for many years now.
“More, importantly, the restaurant has been registered with the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism Arts and Culture since 2016 as required by law,” he said.
As the regulators of eateries, restaurants, hotels, and other hospitality facilities in Lagos State, the Ministry of Tourism Arts and Tourism stated that it would continue to further investigate this claim and others of such to ensure such does not exist now or the nearest future.