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BREAKING: FG Raids Abuja Chinese Supermarket Over Discrimination Against Nigerians

Published

7 months ago

Apr 22, 2024.

Eko Hot Blog reports that officials of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) on Monday raided the Chinese supermarket in Abuja, which allegedly prevents Nigerians from shopping from it.

This follows the outrage from Nigerians on Sunday who took to social media to condemn the management of the Abuja-based Chinese supermarket denying Nigerians entry into the facility.

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The supermarket situated at the China General Chamber of Commerce, along Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Road in the Federal Capital Territory, is acclaimed as a destination for Chinese cuisine and beverages.

FCCPC Operatives During Raid In Abuja to address Unfair Practices

Surprisingly, entry into the supermarket, is said to be restricted exclusively to Chinese individuals.

The facility manager of the complex, Shaibu Sanusi, has verified that individuals from outside the complex who are Nigerian do not engage in shopping there, but those Nigerians who reside within the complex are allowed access for shopping purposes.

While the supermarket is closed, the FCCPC has suggested that individuals may be staying inside in an attempt to evade interaction with the agency.

In a viral video on April 21, a resident narrated how he was told the supermarket was off-limits to Nigerians.

“There is this Chinese restaurant I saw online. They have food, ramen and other things. So, I wanted to check it out and when I got there the security guard told me the supermarket is strictly for Chinese people. If you are a Nigerian, you can’t go in and can’t buy anything,” he said.

Speaking during the visit, Boladale Adeyinka, director, surveillance and enforcement, FCCPC, said on arrival, the supermarket was sealed and padlocked externally.

“Enquiries have shown that as at this morning, this supermarket was opened and people were here. CCTV footage also showed that at about 8.29 am, two vehicles departed from this premises, allegedly containing the owner of this supermarket,” she said.

Meanwhile, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has summoned the owners of a Chinese supermarket, Royal Choice, in Abuja for allegedly refusing to sell to Nigerians.

The commission summoned the owner to an investigative hearing “to testify, make dispositions and present evidence with respect to the commission’s ongoing investigation/inquiry”.

FCCPC also directed the supermarket to produce and provide its Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) status report showing the details of all directors as well as “any and all lease agreement”.

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“Take notice that you are required to attend in person in compliance Summons. You are further required to produce and provide the above on or before Wednesday, April 24, 2024,” FCCPC wrote.

“Take further notice that failure to comply with this Summons to offence under Section 33 (3) of the FCCPA, and subject to penalties Million Naira (N20,000,000.00), or a term of imprisonment up to three years, or to both penalties and imprisonment.”

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