ANKARA

Nigeria’s lower chamber of parliament has decided to probe the legality of Chinese nationals and their businesses based in the country, amid reports of alleged maltreatment of Nigerian citizens in China, local media reported on Wednesday.

The probe was decided during a session of the House of Representatives held for first time Tuesday after a break since March 24 due to the coronavirus (COVID19) pandemic.

The lawmakers discussed a motion – titled Maltreatment and Institutional Acts of Racial Discrimination against Nigerians Living in China by the Government of China, according to Ripples Nigeria, an online newspaper.

The aim behind the move is to ensure the repatriation of illegal Chinese immigrants as well as those who are operating illegal businesses in Nigeria, according to the website.

The move came in reaction to alleged photos and videos showing racism against Nigerians and other black people in China, Ripples Nigeria reported.