Lagos government debunks report about racist Chinese restaurant

Steve Ayorinde
Ayorinde

The Lagos State Government has denied media reports that a Chinese restaurant located in Ikeja was engaged in racial discrimination against potential Nigerian customers.

Some online media platforms had reported that Shi Shi Chinese Restaurant turned back Nigerians, saying its service was not for everybody.

Reacting in a statement released on Tuesday, Lagos commissioner for tourism, arts and culture, Steve Ayorinde, said official from his office were sent to investigate the veracity of the claim.

“The two officers who went there on Monday did so incognito and found the allegations to be false. The officers were served without any questions or discrimination,” Mr Ayorinde said.

“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.”

He added that the restaurant was registered with the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism Arts and Culture in 2016 as required by law.

“As the regulators of eateries, restaurants, hotels, and other hospitality facilities in Lagos State, the Ministry of Tourism Arts and Tourism will further investigate this claim, beyond what our findings on Monday revealed and will be vigilant about the activities of this restaurant and its subsidiary,” the statement concluded.