The Acting Executive Vice Chairman of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), Dr. Adamu Abdullahi, has revealed that the troubled Abuja Chinese supermarket, previously under scrutiny for discrimination against Nigerians, had all its products priced in Chinese yen instead of the local currency, naira.
Abdullahi disclosed this in a recent interview with Channels TV in Abuja, which was published on the agency’s YouTube channel on Sunday.
The commission had previously sealed the Abuja-based Chinese supermarket, situated within the China General Chamber of Commerce, following accusations of discriminatory practices against Nigerians.
In response to these allegations, the CEO of FCCPC stated that one of the discoveries made during the inspection of the supermarket was that all pricing was conducted in yen, thus violating Nigerian law.
Furthermore, it was observed that residents in the estate, who are Nigerians, were not allowed entry into the supermarket, confirming the allegations of discrimination.
Abdullahi emphasized, “The discovery was significant upon reaching the supermarket. All products are labelled in yen, the sole accepted currency, which is completely against Nigerian law. Selling products in foreign currency is prohibited; everything should be in Nigerian currency. Additionally, only Chinese individuals were permitted entry into the supermarket.”
The FCCPC boss emphasized that there would be repercussions for such discriminatory actions against Nigerians. The commission not only plans to sanction the supermarket but also intends to impose a fine amounting to 10% of the turnover from the company’s sales last year.
Abdullahi reiterated, “Wrongdoings have consequences, and the commission will ensure the full enforcement of the law. Sanctions will include fines and forfeiting 10% of the company’s turnover from last year’s sales.”
Background Context:
On Monday, the FCCPC took action by sealing the Abuja-based Chinese supermarket located within the China General Chamber of Commerce in Abuja due to allegations of discriminatory practices against Nigerians.
The closure occurred following a viral video that prompted FCCPC officials to conduct an enforcement exercise at the supermarket’s premises in Royal Estate, Abuja.
Boladale Adeyinka, FCCPC’s Director for Surveillance and Investigation, explained that the purpose of the investigation was to verify the allegations made in the viral video.
Adeyinka stated, “Upon arrival, we noticed that the supermarket was sealed and padlocked externally. Investigations revealed that the supermarket was operational earlier in the day. CCTV footage indicates that the owner left the premises. Summonses have been issued for her appearance before the FCCPC by Wednesday, and failure to comply will result in further regulatory actions.”
