The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), has summoned the owner of a Chinese supermarket for allegedly discriminating against Nigerians by restricting their entry.
The mission of the commission is in response to the video that went viral when consumers, particularly Nigerian consumers, were allegedly being discriminated against, preventing access into a supermarket located in Nigeria here in Abuja.
The supermarket, located at the China General Chamber of Commerce along Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Road in the Federal Capital Territory, exclusively permits individuals of Chinese descent to enter.
Reacting to the development, the Director of Surveillance and Investigation at the commission, Mrs. Boladale Adeyinka, while addressing journalists during the event, said that they are responding to a viral video allegedly showing Nigerian consumers being denied access to the supermarket.
It would be recalled that a video posted by X Daily showed an unidentified FCT resident expressing discontent about the discriminatory policy.
She explained that the purpose of their surveillance and investigation is to verify the allegations and the contents of the viral video.
Adeyinka said: “On arrival, we noticed that the supermarket, located right behind me, was sealed and padlocked externally. Inquiries have revealed that as of this morning, this supermarket was open and operational.
“CCTV footage also indicates that at around 8:29 am on Monday, two vehicles departed from these premises allegedly containing the owner of the supermarket, whom we have identified as Cindy Liun Bien, and we have her contact details.
“Now, the summons, of course, since she’s not around and the place is locked, is to serve notice on her to appear before the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission by Wednesday, April 24, 2024, at 11 am.
“There are other regulatory tools that can be deployed if she fails to attend to these summons.”
She further explained that the summons means that entry into the premises would require approval, and anyone wishing to access it must first notify the commission.
When asked about the consequences if the owner fails to attend the summons, she stated that under the commission’s investigative powers, they have the authority to seal the premises until she complies.
In his remarks, the estate assistant Facilities Manager, Sanusi Shuabiu, clarified that the supermarket is not open to the public like a typical store; rather, it primarily serves Chinese groceries and was initially established to cater to the needs of co-tenants in the area.
He confirmed that there is no agreement restricting the supermarket to Chinese residents only; it is meant to serve everyone, including those from outside the community.