Amanze Chinonye
Nigeria’s once-thriving retail giant, Shoprite, is facing a serious operational downturn, with several stores closed and others running with nearly empty shelves. The company’s struggles have raised concerns about job insecurity, supply chain disruptions, and consumer choice.
According to Daily trust, As of September 2025, Shoprite outlets in Ibadan (Oyo State) and Ilorin (Kwara State) have been completely shut. In Lagos and Abuja, on-the-ground checks reveal sparse product displays, hollow shelves, and a subdued shopping environment in stores that were once crowded with shoppers.
“This is what has been happening in the last two months. We have been ordering but there is no supply, and we don’t know what is happening,” said a Shoprite staff member in Abuja, speaking on condition of anonymity.
Shoprite’s Rise and Transition in Nigeria
Shoprite entered the Nigerian market in 2005, rapidly expanding to eight states, including the Federal Capital Territory, with over 25 stores. It became a household name, employing over 2,000 Nigerians directly and supporting local businesses and farmers who supplied produce to its outlets.
However, supply chain disruptions, inflationary pressures, high operational costs, and growing competition from local supermarkets and online platforms have severely affected profitability. In 2020, Shoprite sold its Nigerian operations to a group of local investors, moving from an ownership model to a franchise-based approach. Despite this, operational difficulties continue, with the Kano store closed in January 2024 due to unsustainable rents and financial strain.
READ ALSO: Shoprite To Exit Ghana, Malawi Amid Retreat From African Markets
Shoprite Nigeria Closes Kano Store, Mulls 5-year Bullish Growth For Nigerian Market
Current Store Conditions and Staff Concerns
In Lagos, the Ikeja City Mall store now shows empty aisles and limited stock. Staff indicate that the slowdown is linked to ongoing negotiations between management and suppliers to renegotiate prices.
“By God’s grace, at the end of September, we will restock,” a management staff member told Daily Trust, emphasizing that Shoprite is not exiting Nigeria, but pausing supply to ensure financial stability and maintain quality standards.
In Abuja, the Jabi Lake Mall store had empty shelves due to power outages and supply disruptions. Employees expressed anxiety over the future, noting that management has provided little clarity on when full operations will resume.
Shoprite’s decline has real consequences for Nigerians and the economy:
- Job insecurity: Thousands of direct and indirect employees face uncertainty due to store closures and dwindling operations.
- Supply chain impact: Local farmers and small suppliers who depended on Shoprite’s procurement contracts are affected, potentially reducing income and market access.
- Consumer choice: Shoppers in major cities now have fewer options for affordable groceries, contributing to price volatility and inconvenience.
- Investor confidence: Multinational and local companies are increasingly hesitant to invest or expand in Nigeria, citing operational challenges and economic uncertainty.
Economist Dr. Marcel Okeke summarized the broader implication:
“Many companies have left and many are still going to leave because the environment is not conducive. Nigeria’s economy is uncompetitive compared to other economies that are more business-friendly.”
While Shoprite management insists the retailer is not exiting Nigeria and plans to restock by the end of September, the combination of store closures, empty shelves, and supply delays underscores the fragility of multinational operations in the country.
For shoppers, employees, and suppliers, the once-dominant supermarket chain’s troubles reflect wider challenges in Nigeria’s retail and business environment.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
