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Coronavirus Concerns Spur Nigerian Authorities to Close Chinese Market in
Abuja

Timothy Obiezu

   ABUJA, NIGERIA - Nigerian officials raided and shut down a popular
   Chinese supermarket in Abuja this week over concerns about the
   spreading coronavirus.

   The supermarket is a major gathering spot for Chinese citizens and
   expatriates living in the Nigerian capital.The aisles and checkout area
   of the Panda supermarket are usually packed with shoppers.

   But all were empty Friday, two days after officials of Nigeria's
   Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission(FCCPC)closedthe
   market.

   The head of the commission,BabtundeIrukera, saidthe market
   wasclosedbecause ofconcern about imported products that could carry the
   coronavirus.

   "The operatives of the place admitted that those things were imported
   from China,"Irukera said. "Our suspicion is not whether those products
   that we saw there are host carriers of the virus, but it was more of
   the fact that... is there a potential for a risk?"

   Numbers climb

   More than200people havedied since the virus was confirmed in Wuhan,
   China,andnearly 10,000othersare infected and fightingsymptomsthat
   includefever and respiratory difficulties.The WHOhas declared the
   coronavirus outbreak a global emergency.

   So far, there have been no confirmed cases of the coronavirus on the
   African continent, although one suspected case has been reported in
   Botswana.

   The head of the Nigerian Centrefor Disease Control(NCDC),
   ChikweIhekwazu, saidthe governmentwas not taking any chances.

   "The first thing we're doing is learning everyday about critical
   aspects of the virus--how it is transmitted, how many people die from
   it, how many severe cases it causes," Ihekwazu said. "There's new
   information coming up everyday. We're working closely with[the World
   Health Organization]to identify specific measures for controlling the
   outbreak but also to advise government on what to do in terms of trade
   and travel and all of that."

   Officials ofthe supermarket declined to comment on the shutdown.

   Other businesses

   Meanwhile,Irukera of the FCCPC saidthe regulatory agency plannedto
   visit other Chinese-run businesses in Nigeria that mightpose a risk of
   the virus.

   "We've identified some locations in Lagos that we'd also be reaching to
   try and stop the supply of these products," Irukera said. "There's a
   larger plan. Iknow that customsison more sensitive alert--the ports
   authority, the ministry of health."

   Nigerian health authorities have begun screening Chinese nationals
   entering Nigeria, andtheyalsohaveurged citizens traveling to China to
   suspend their trips indefinitely.

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