The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) raided the Chinese supermarket in Abuja, accused of barring Nigerians from shopping within its premises.
News About Nigeria reports that the raid was prompted by widespread condemnation on social media after Nigerians expressed outrage over being denied entry to the Abuja-based Chinese supermarket on Sunday.
Situated at the China General Chamber of Commerce along Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Road in the Federal Capital Territory, the supermarket is renowned for offering Chinese cuisine and beverages, drawing customers seeking exotic products.
However, the exclusivity of the supermarket to only Chinese led to public outcry on social media.
Shaibu Sanusi, the facility manager of the complex, acknowledged that non-Chinese individuals from outside the complex are indeed prohibited from shopping at the supermarket.
However, he clarified that Nigerians residing within the complex are permitted to access the store for shopping purposes.
Expressing discontent about the discriminatory policy, a resident of the FCT lamented the situation, confirming that only Chinese nationals were allowed entry into the supermarket.
“Wonders shall never end. There is a supermarket I saw online that is a Chinese supermarket. They have Chinese food, ramen, and other things. I wanted to go there and check it out but I was denied entry. The security officers at the gate said the supermarket was strictly for Chinese people and no Nigerian is allowed to go inside or buy anything. Is that possible in China?” the resident exclaimed.
Some social media users corroborated the story on various platforms, while others visited the supermarket to confirm the situation firsthand.
Meanwhile, former federal lawmaker, Shehu Sani has advocated for the dismantling of a Chinese retail store in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, over claims of discrimination against Nigerian shoppers.
In a post via his official X handle on Monday, he wondered why a supermarket in Nigeria would not be accessible to the citizens.
He said, “Any Supermarket in our Country that is not accessible to the Citizens of Our Country but to foreigners, should be forcibly opened or be pulled down in accordance with the laws of our Country.”
