The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) recently shut down a Chinese supermarket located in the China General Chamber of Commerce on Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Road, Abuja, in response to allegations of discrimination against Nigerian shoppers.
The closure was sparked by widespread public outcry following a video that circulated on social media platforms. In the video, a security guard was captured stating that the policy, instituted since January 2024, prohibits Nigerians from entering the supermarket. According to the guard, the directive was from the supermarket management and aimed at all employees.
A Nigerian who was denied access expressed frustration in the video, noting the paradox of being barred from a store staffed by Nigerians, and highlighted the risk of job loss for these employees if the policy were challenged by forceful entry.
The public's reaction was swift and fierce, with many Nigerians deeming the supermarket's policy as overtly discriminatory. Calls for government action were abundant, prompting the FCCPC to act by sealing the premises.
This incident follows closely on the heels of another action by the FCCPC, which involved closing all branches of 4U Supermarket in Abuja due to health and safety concerns after the discovery of weevil-infested rice bags.
Reactions on the social media platform X reflect a mix of approval and concern among the Nigerian populace. Users expressed a range of sentiments from commendation for the government's quick response to concerns over what else might be occurring within the premises of such establishments. Common among the comments was a strong disapproval of any form of discrimination within their own country, with many praising the role of social media in bringing the issue to light and prompting governmental intervention.
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