- The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has summoned the proprietor of a Chinese store in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on charges of discriminating against Nigerians
By Ken Ibenne
Concerns have been raised by the public over the supermarket, which is located at Royal Choice Estate in Lugbe, Federal Capital Territory, allegedly enforcing a policy that only allows Chinese citizens to buy groceries.
Upon their visit to the supermarket following the release of a viral video that exposed the discriminatory policy, FCCPC officers discovered that the store was locked and unattended. The team was led by Boladale Adeyinka, the FCCPC’s Director of Surveillance and Investigations, who stressed the need to confirm the claims made in the widely shared film.
The supermarket had been open earlier in the day, according to the investigation, but CCTV evidence showed that the proprietor had left the property just before the FCCPC arrived.
The grocery, which is just behind me, was sealed and padlocked externally when we arrived, we discovered.”
“Yes, as of this morning, when this supermarket opened, and there were people here,” inquiries have revealed.
CCTV footage additionally reveals that at approximately 8:29 a.m., two vehicles purportedly carrying the supermarket’s owner—whom we are able to positively identify by name—left the premises.
“She must now appear before the FCCPC by April 24 at 11 a.m., according to the summons.”
“In the event that she disregards this summons, additional regulatory measures will be implemented,” she declared.
The FCCPC states that in the event that the summons is not followed, regulatory action may be taken, which may include closing the premises until compliance is attained.
The estate’s assistant facilities manager, Sanusi Shuiabu, stated that the supermarket was built to serve the grocery needs of the estate’s Chinese inhabitants as well as other renters.
But he claimed there were no official agreements that limited access to Chinese citizens only. Shuiabu revealed that the owner is Cindy, an estate tenant, but gave no other information about the discriminatory policy.