FCCPC summons Chinese supermarket owner over discrimination

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Council (FCCPC) has summoned the owner of an Abuja-based Chinese supermarket criticised for refusing to allow Nigerians access to its facility.

The commission’s enforcement team led by Director, Surveillance and Enforcement, Boladale Adeyinka who led the team to the facility, gave 48 hours to the owner of the facility to report to its office or the facility will remain closed.

Daily Trust, however, observed that the gate leading to the supermarket was under lock and key with nobody in sight at the premises of the supermarket.

Addressing journalists after posting the summon on the gate of the facility, Adeyinka said, “The mission of the commission is in response to the video that went viral when consumers, particularly Nigerian consumers, were allegedly being discriminated against and prevented from accessing a supermarket located in Abuja, Nigeria. The essence of the surveillance and investigation that we conducted today is to verify the allegations and the contents of that viral video.

“On arrival, we noticed that the supermarket 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 at about 9am this morning, two vehicles departed from these 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 summon, 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 11am of Wednesday,” she explained.

Recall that a video went viral on Sunday, over a discriminatory policy implemented by the Chinese supermarket, which restricted entry exclusively to its citizens and barred Nigerians.

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

Meanwhile, the China General Chamber of Commerce in Nigeria has reacted to the viral video alleging that a Chinese supermarket within the premises of the Royal Choice Estate, Airport Road, Abuja, denied access to Nigerians seeking to purchase groceries.

 In an official statement on Monday, the Chamber clarified that the Royal Choice Estate is not a supermarket as widely reported, but rather comprises an office complex and residential apartments.

 “The China Chamber of Commerce is one of several enterprises using the facility, and the supermarket in question is located in the residential area of the estate, which is unrelated to the China Chamber of Commerce in Nigeria,” the statement said.

 According to the statement, the residential area of the estate consists of privately occupied residents who adhere to security protocols in granting access to external visitors. The statement added that no individual was subjected to discrimination or denied access to the estate or supermarket to purchase groceries as widely believed.

It, however, expressed regret over the altercation at the estate’s entrance gate between the security personnel and a customer, emphasizing that it does not reflect the official position of the estate management or the chamber of commerce.

 The China General Chamber of Commerce emphasised its commitment to equality and inclusiveness and welcomed first-hand visits to witness the truth.

 “Our principles are to enhance friendship between the people of both countries and promote economic development,” the statement added.