An Abuja-based retail shop, previously under fire for allegedly discriminating against Nigerians by restricting entry to Chinese nationals only, has rebuffed accusations of exclusivity.
Liu Bei, the owner, clarified that her establishment is not a supermarket but rather a retail shop serving the diverse needs of the local community. Bei, in a statement issued in both Chinese and English to Punch Online, expressed unease at the sight of unfamiliar individuals gathering outside her premises.
This response comes in the wake of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission’s summons notice and threats of sanctions after sealing the store.
The controversy erupted when reports emerged that the store had implemented a controversial policy limiting access to Chinese nationals, prompting widespread condemnation on social media.
However, Bei countered by asserting that her shop caters to residents, employees, and visitors, irrespective of nationality, particularly those frequenting the adjacent office building.
The statement read in full:
“My name is Liu Bei. I watched PUNCH’s news about Chinese supermarkets not allowing Nigerians to enter for shopping.
“Now there are a lot of people in front of my store who I don’t know where they come from. I feel scared and I want to explain something.
“My shop is in the Royal Choice Estate, Airport Road, Abuja. It’s a small retail shop, not a supermarket like SHOPRITE. I mainly sell things to community residents and people who work here. Sometimes some visitors will come to my store to buy something after visiting the company In the office building, regardless of nationality.
“Since December 2023, I downsized the operations of my shop and have been planning to close.
“I don’t discriminate against any Nigerians, I even have several local employees in my store and we have a good relationship. However, for safety reasons, the community has requirements for visitors, so not everyone can enter the community directly.
“I feel sorry for the altercation between the security guard and the visitor in the video. Two Nigerians did come to my store that day to buy something, and I sold it to them.”
She emphasised that her establishment, albeit modest in size, does not fit the typical definition of a supermarket and disclosed plans to cease operations by December 2023, following a downsizing initiative.
