Just In: FCCPC Summons Chinese Expatriate Over Viral Video Restricting Nigerians Access

Officials of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), on Monday summoned a Chinese expatriate, one Cindy Liu Bei running a supermarket in Royal Choice Estate located within the China Chamber of Commerce, over a viral video restricting Nigerians access to shop at the supermarket.

FCCPC was forced to paste the summons on the gate leading into the building housing the supermarket, after several hours of trying to access the supermarket, meet with owner of the supermarket or get a clear explanation to the alleged discriminatory act.

Led by the Director Surveillance and Investigation, Boladale Adeyinka, the owner of the supermarket, Bei.was given two days to appear at the FCCPC office or risk further sanctions, after the CCTV footage covering the supermarket showed two vehicles leaving the supermarket which also served as residence to the expatriate now at large.

“The mission of the Commission is in response to the video that went viral when consumers, particularly Nigerian consumers, were allegedly being discriminated preventing access into a supermarket located in Nigeria here in Abuja.

“The essence of the surveillance and investigations that we conducted today is to verify the allegations and the contents of that viral video.

“On arrival, we noticed that the supermarket was sealed and padlocked externally. Inquiries have shown that yes, as of this morning, the supermarket was open and people were here.

“CCTV footage also shows that at about 8:29am two vehicles departed from this premises allegedly containing the owner of the supermarket, whom we have been able to identify by name and we have her contact details.

“The summons of course since she’s not around and the place is locked, is to serve notice on her to appear before the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission on Wednesday, 24th of April 2024 by 11am.

“There are other regulatory tools to be deployed, if she fails to attend to the summons. The summons means that on entry into this premises to gain access into it, they will be able to sight this.”

On possible sanctions if she fails to honour the summons, Adeyinka noted, “The mandate of the commission under its powers is investigative powers which is to seal the premises until she comes; meaning that this place will remain locked until she appears before the commission. If she fails to voluntarily surrender to the summons that we have issued bonds.

The FCCPC also issued a stern warning to expatriates to desist from any act of restricting anyone living in Nigeria access to any public buisness or facility.

“It is unlawful to discriminate against any person who has any desire or intention to patronize any public shop in a public access facility and also business.

“No Nigerian or consumer in Nigeria should be discriminated against. You have a right to patronize and need public enterprise and that is what we are here to protect consumers.”

The assistant facility manager of the complex, Shaibu Sanusi who confirmed that outsiders were not just allowed access into the premises, however added that Nigerians within have never been refused access to purchasing items from the supermarket.

“This place is a residential area not just like an open or a working supermarket just like ShopRite or grand square where people walk in and do their shopping.

“She was only living here before she started the supermarket business just to cater for the needs of the people in the immediate environment and co-tenants here in order to make shopping easier for them. She sells mainly Chinese grocery items.”