The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has warned that Nigeria will not tolerate any form of discrimination against any person in Nigeria. The Commission warned that any form of discrimination against any person, whether by foreigners or locals, is illegal and unacceptable.
This is coming on the heels of investigations into allegations of discrimination against Nigerians by a Chinese supermarket located in Abuja.
The Director of surveillance and investigations at the FCCPC, Boladale Adeyinka, warned that the Commission would not entertain any form of discrimination.
Adeyinka who led his team to the Chinese supermarket said in line with FCCPC’s mandate, the Commission would be swift and decisive in handling such issues.
He warned that the Commission would not hesitate to apply the full force of the law against businesses found culpable.
Recall that a Nigerian had raised the alarm of discrimination when she was not allowed in the supermarket facility in Abuja. The news which went viral on social media prompted investigation into the allegation.
FCCPC agents moved in and sealed the supermarket and invited the owner of the business, Cindy Liu Bei for questioning.
LEADERSHIP reports that a CCTV footage examined by the agency at the China General Chamber of Commerce building showed that Bei and her family had fled the premises earlier in the day by 8:26 am.
Following the development, FCCPC, yesterday, Thursday served a notice on Bei to appear before it today by 11 am. The Commission, however, warned that failure to comply could lead to regulatory actions, including continuous sealing of the premises.
But reacting to the development, the China Chamber of Commerce has clarified that the supermarket is in a mixed-use estate. It stated that the supermarket is not directly associated with the China Chamber of Commerce.
In a statement by the Chamber’s Secretary, Mr. Cui Guangzheng, expressed regret over the incident. He, however, stated that the alleged action does not reflect the official position of the Estate Management or the Chamber of Commerce.
He said, “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.
“Our principles are to enhance friendship between the people of both countries and promote economic development,” he said.
LEADERSHIP reports that a staff in the Estate who pleaded anonymity confirmed the development. The source , however, stated that Nigerians had been allowed to shop at the supermarket throughout 2022. But wondered why the sudden banned in January.
Recall that FCCPC had earlier raided two 4U Signature supermarkets in the Wuse Area of Abuja. The supermarkets were accused of unfair practices toward customers.
Following the raids on the facilities, FCCPC found expired products still being sold in the supermarkets, among other violations. These prompted the sealing of the supermarket until the issues were addressed.
Speaking on the development, the acting Executive Vice Chairman of FCCPC, Abdullahi Adamu bemoaned the development. He, however, reiterated the agency’s commitment to safeguarding Nigerians’ health and wealth.
source: Leadership
