The owner of a Chinese supermarket in Abuja, Liu Bei, underwent a tribunal at the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) following accusations of discriminatory practices. Liu Bei, accompanied by her family and estate officials, presented herself at the commission’s headquarters in Asokoro, Abuja, on Wednesday at 11 am to counter the allegations.
The FCCPC’s intervention occurred after the store received a closure notice on Monday, along with the threat of penalties. The decision to close the supermarket stemmed from reports indicating that the establishment enforced a policy allowing only Chinese nationals to enter, effectively excluding Nigerians from accessing the store. This development triggered widespread criticism and raised concerns about discrimination.
In response to the accusations, the supermarket owner contested the notion that her store served exclusively to a specific demographic. She stressed that the establishment welcomed residents, employees, and visitors from the surrounding area, irrespective of nationality. After Sanusi Shuaibu, the estate assistant facility manager, discussed with FCCPC officials, they resolved the issues, leading to the store’s reopening.
Shuaibu confirmed that all requested documents were provided to the commission, and the supermarket owner addressed inquiries from officials. Subsequently, the FCCPC’s enforcement team unsealed the store, inspected the premises and products, and addressed all concerns. With the supermarket back in operation, the owner has resumed business activities. An FCCPC official corroborated the supermarket owner’s appearance at the tribunal, indicating positive progress in resolving the matter.
Follow us on Socials: