The owner of an Abuja-based Chinese supermarket criticised for barring Nigerians and restricting entry to Chinese nationals has refuted claims that her store is only meant for a specific group of people.
She also clarified that her establishment is not a supermarket but rather a retail shop aimed at meeting the essential needs of her local community.
Liu Bei disclosed this in a signed statement sent on Tuesday, noting that she felt scared seeing many people she didn’t know in front of her store.
Her reaction followed a summon notice and threat of sanctions by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission on Monday after it sealed her store.
According to reports the supermarket had implemented a controversial policy restricting entry solely to Chinese nationals, excluding Nigerians from patronising the establishment.
This policy sparked widespread condemnation across various social media platforms as Nigerians voiced their concerns over the discriminatory treatment.
But in her defence, Bei stated that she sold to residents, workers, and visitors who came to her store after visiting the office building, regardless of nationality.
According to her, the small retail shop is not a supermarket like other grocery stores and revealed plans to close the shop after downsizing operations in December 2023.
She went further to state that she does not discriminate against Nigerians, and she apologised for the misunderstanding that ensued between the visitor and the security guard.
Owner Of Abuja Chinese Supermarket Denies Barring Nigerians
