FCCPC seals Chinese supermarket, Abuja

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission has sealed the Abuja-based Chinese supermarket located within the China General Chamber of Commerce in Abuja.

The development followed allegations of discriminatory practices against Nigerians.

The FCCPC officials shut the supermarket when they stormed the premises on Monday.

Boladale Adeyinka, FCCPC’s director for surveillance and investigation, Speaking while on enforcement exercise at the premises of the supermarket located at Royal Estate in Abuja on Monday, she said the mission of the commission is in response to the viral video.

‘The essence of the surveillance and investigation that we conducted today is to verify the allegations and the content of that viral video.

“On arrival, we noticed that the supermarket which is right behind me, was sealed and padlocked externally. Inquiries have shown that yes, as this morning this supermarket was opened and people were here. CCTV footage also shows that in the morning, two vehicles departed from these very premises allegedly containing the owner of the supermarket, whom we have been able to identify by name and we have our 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.

“There are other regulatory tools to be deployed, if she fails to attend to this summon. The summons means that on entering into these premises they must see the summon because that is how they gain access into it”.

She added that if the Chinese owner fails to attend to the summon which is a lawful inquiry, the mandate of the commission under its powers will seal the premises until she comes to the commission, meaning that the place will remain locked until she appears before the commission.

There have been videos going round on alleged denial of access into the supermarket by some Nigeria, stating that the supermarket is meant for only the Chinese citizens.

The commission’s officials sealed up the place after interrogating Nigerian workers at the supermarket.

This was as facilities workers at the store revealed that the owner of the supermarket had fled the premises.

Viral videos on social media showed how the supermarket owners barred Nigerians from entry, saying it was only for Chinese citizens.