The Acting Executive Vice Chairman of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), Dr. Adamu Abdullahi, has confirmed that the troubled Abuja Chinese supermarket, sealed for discriminating against Nigerians, had all its products priced in Chinese yen instead of naira.
In an interview with Channels TV in Abuja, Abdullahi disclosed that FCCPC officials discovered the pricing discrepancy during an inspection of the supermarket within the China General Chamber of Commerce.
Additionally, the commission found that the supermarket only permitted entry to Chinese individuals, excluding Nigerian residents from the estate where it is located.
Abdullahi emphasized that pricing products in a foreign currency violates Nigerian law, which mandates transactions to be conducted in the national currency.
As a consequence of these discriminatory practices, the FCCPC intends to sanction the supermarket. The commission plans to impose fines and forfeit 10% of the company’s turnover from last year’s sales.
The sealing of the supermarket came after allegations surfaced regarding discriminatory practices against Nigerians.
Boladale Adeyinka, FCCPC’s Director for Surveillance and Investigation, confirmed that the enforcement action was prompted by a viral video depicting discriminatory behavior at the premises.
Adeyinka stated that the Chinese supermarket was found sealed upon arrival, but efforts to contact the owner were initiated through a summons to appear before the FCCPC. Failure to comply with the summons may result in further regulatory measures being taken against the supermarket.
The FCCPC’s actions underscore its commitment to combating discriminatory practices and upholding consumer rights in Nigeria.
