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Nigeria’s Mall Retail Falters as Shoprite Completes Shutdown After 20 Years

Published

5 months ago

March 7, 2026

Nigeria’s Mall Retail Falters as Shoprite Completes Shutdown After 20 Years

Nigeria’s bustling mall economy, estimated to be worth about ₦2.5 trillion, has taken a significant hit with the final shutdown of South Africa‑origin retail giant Shoprite across the country after more than 20 years of operations. The supermarket chain — once a key anchor tenant in major retail complexes — has now closed all its outlets, triggering losses across the broader retail ecosystem.

Retail industry analysts estimate that approximately ₦1.4 trillion in economic activity may have been lost with Shoprite’s departure, as hundreds of ancillary businesses that depended on the supermarket’s presence are now experiencing sharp revenue declines or closure. Many suppliers, workers, and small business owners who thrived on Shoprite‑driven foot traffic are struggling to stay afloat amid the fallout.

Impact on Jobs, Supply Chains and Small Businesses

Vanguard’s investigations reveal the shutdown has directly affected thousands of staff and suppliers. Shoprite served not just as a retail outlet for groceries and household goods but also as a bulk purchaser for local producers, including food manufacturers, beverage suppliers and distributors of Nigerian‑made products. With its exit, these suppliers have lost a major sales channel, forcing some to scale down or entirely halt operations.

Inside many malls where Shoprite operated — such as Festac Mall and Apapa Mall in Lagos, Dugbe and Ring Road malls in Ibadan, and various complexes in Abuja and Akure — smaller stores that thrived on customer spill‑over traffic have seen business plunge. Boutique owners, eateries, pharmacies, phone accessories shops, and cinema outlets say sales have dropped significantly since Shoprite’s shelves went empty and doors closed permanently.

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A fashion retailer at Apapa Mall told our correspondent that her sales dropped sharply after Shoprite shut down in mid‑2025, with customer flow dwindling from consistent daily shoppers to sporadic walk‑ins. “People came to Shoprite for groceries and then checked other shops. Now only a few customers show up,” she said.

The Downward Spiral: From Crowded Shelves to Empty Aisles

Shoprite first entered Nigeria in 2005, rapidly expanding to about 25 outlets across 13 states due to strong consumer adoption. The brand transformed grocery and household shopping for many Nigerians and became a cornerstone of the mall retail culture.

However, a combination of long‑term financial pressures — including rising foreign exchange costs, logistics challenges, import tariff increases, post‑pandemic disruptions, and persistent inventory shortages — gradually weakened the business. In 2021, Shoprite Holdings Limited of South Africa exited direct ownership, selling the Nigerian operations to Retail Supermarkets Nigeria Limited (RSNL), owned in part by Ketron Investment Limited and Persianas Investment.

Under NESNL leadership, led by entrepreneur Toby Amusan, optimism briefly returned as festive seasons saw renewed activity, and families once again flocked to Shoprite stores. Yet by 2024, customers began noticing empty shelves at several locations, and by late 2025, multiple outlets in Lagos and other cities had shut their doors entirely.

In Kano, the Ado Bayero Mall Shoprite — once a lively retail hub — closed as early as January 2024. Residents said the mall, once buzzing with activity, now recorded low foot traffic with many stalls empty or operating at minimal capacity.

Economy, Employment and Community Voices

Across Akure in Ondo State, the shuttered Shoprite outlet on Igbatoro Road now stands under lock and key, with empty aisles and deserted premises. Former staff, such as sales attendant Fatima Ogundari, described how the closure left employees stranded with few alternatives. “I started a POS business just to survive. Many of my colleagues are still searching for new means of livelihood,” she said.

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Local retailers also say their supply chains have been disrupted, forcing them to pivot to other customers or reduce stock. A boutique sales representative said: “Shoprite used to buy in bulk from suppliers, helping many businesses grow. Now we’re stuck with unsold products and fewer outlets for distribution.”

At Festac Mall, while unrelated attractions like the hotel and club still draw visitors, many smaller shops have scaled back operations due to a steep drop in customers. A sports shoe seller explained sales that once reached over ₦2.5 million weekly now barely pull ₦1 million, making it difficult to cover rent and utilities.

Ibadan and Abuja Feel the Pain Too

In Ibadan, the closure of Shoprite outlets at Dugbe and Ring Road turned once‑lively malls into near‑quiet spaces. Shop shelves that once offered competitive pricing and weekly deals now sit mostly empty, with reduced foot traffic affecting shops and suppliers alike. Former staff report layoffs and modest severance arrangements that did little to offset job losses.

One supervisor at the Ring Road outlet described how rumours of irregularities circulated before the closure, but most employees were unaware of the full reasons. A local food supplier said the supermarket’s exit affected his turnover, forcing him to target smaller retailers with lower demand.

In Abuja, Shoprite’s closure at Silverbird Mall since September 2025 left a large retail void. Mall managers say business hasn’t collapsed entirely, but the absence of a major anchor tenant has altered customer flow patterns, reducing overall visits. Some complexes have begun attracting new tenants. In Novare Central, for example, SPAR is poised to take over the former Shoprite space, offering cautious optimism that foot traffic and sales might recover once operations fully commence.

Warri & Kaduna: Varying Experiences

In Warri, Delta State, the Shoprite outlet at Effurun roundabout remains open but struggling. Customers and ancillary vendors report slow sales due to ongoing mall reconstruction projects and reduced attraction from surrounding shops. Some independent supermarkets have opened around the Shoprite building, but local operators complain of weak patronage and lower demand for goods that Shoprite previously drew into the area.

In Kaduna, the Shoprite outlet on Independence Way stands completely shut, with no staff or customers in sight — a sign that the shutdown was part of a nationwide winding‑down strategy rather than isolated store closures.

’Not an Exit, But a Reset’ — RSNL’s Position

While many Nigerians view the shutdown as a final departure, Retail Supermarkets Nigeria Limited (RSNL) insists the process represents a “comprehensive business model reset” aimed at aligning operations with current economic realities. Chief Strategy Officer Bunmi Cynthia Adeleye said the reset is intended for long‑term sustainability amid macroeconomic headwinds, but did not provide a clear timeline for reopening or large‑scale return.

For now, questions linger over when or if Shoprite outlets will resume large‑scale operations in Nigeria. Until then, the shutdown continues to weigh heavily on the mall economy, consumer confidence, and the interconnected web of small businesses that once thrived in Shoprite’s shadow.

Nigeria’s Mall Retail Falters as Shoprite Completes Shutdown After 20 Years

Related Topics:Nigeria Retail Shoprite Shutdown

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Nigeria Customs debunks fake recruitment update, warns job seekers

Published

2 hours ago

July 23, 2026

Trends Admin

Nigeria Customs debunks fake recruitment update, warns job seekers

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has warned Nigerians to disregard a fake recruitment update circulating on social media, stating that the publication did not originate from the Service and should not be trusted.

In a statement released on Thursday, the NCS described the recruitment notice as false and advised prospective applicants to rely only on information released through its official communication channels.

According to the Service, the fake publication is part of a growing trend of recruitment scams in which fraudsters exploit the desire of Nigerians seeking government jobs by circulating false employment notices and demanding money or sensitive personal information from unsuspecting victims.

“The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) wishes to inform the public that the purported recruitment update currently circulating on some social media platforms is fake and did not originate from the Service,” the statement said.

The Service urged Nigerians to verify every recruitment-related announcement before acting on or sharing it, warning that misinformation could expose job seekers to fraud and identity theft.

It stressed that all official information regarding Nigeria Customs recruitment, promotions, screening exercises and other activities is published only through its verified communication platforms.

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The NCS advised members of the public to follow its verified Facebook page (Nigeria Customs Service) and its official Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), Threads and TikTok accounts under the handle @customsng for authentic updates.

“Members of the public are advised to disregard the publication and rely only on information disseminated through the official communication channels of the Nigeria Customs Service,” the statement added.

The Service also reminded applicants that it does not charge any fee at any stage of its recruitment process, warning that anyone requesting payment in exchange for employment should be regarded as a fraudster.

The latest advisory comes amid a resurgence of fake recruitment notices targeting applicants following increased public interest in employment opportunities within government agencies.

In recent months, the NCS has repeatedly disowned forged recruitment documents, fake screening schedules and fabricated Computer-Based Test (CBT) notifications circulated online by scammers attempting to deceive job seekers.

The Service reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, fairness and merit in its recruitment process, assuring Nigerians that whenever recruitment begins, the public will be informed through its official website and verified social media platforms.

It further urged citizens to remain vigilant by avoiding unofficial recruitment websites, refusing to make payments for employment offers and reporting suspected recruitment scams to relevant security agencies.

The NCS concluded its advisory with a reminder to Nigerians: “Stay vigilant. Verify information before sharing.”

As recruitment scams continue to evolve, the Service encouraged applicants to confirm any employment-related information through official sources before submitting applications or personal details.

Nigeria Customs debunks fake recruitment update, warns job seekers

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ICPC uncovers 908 suspected ghost workers in Police, other federal agencies, recovers ₦942m

Published

3 hours ago

July 23, 2026

Trends Admin

Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr Musa Adamu Aliyu

ICPC uncovers 908 suspected ghost workers in Police, other federal agencies, recovers ₦942m

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has uncovered 908 suspected ghost workers across at least 50 federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), with the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) accounting for the highest number of suspected fraudulent payroll entries.

The anti-corruption agency disclosed that the nationwide payroll verification exercise also led to the recovery of about ₦942 million in salaries allegedly paid to fictitious employees, describing the discovery as a significant breakthrough in its ongoing efforts to eliminate payroll fraud and improve accountability in the public sector.

Speaking on the findings, ICPC Chairman, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu (SAN), said the investigation exposed widespread manipulation of government payroll systems through the insertion of fictitious names, ineligible beneficiaries and non-existent employees into salary records.

According to the commission, ghost workers are individuals whose names are fraudulently inserted into government payrolls to illegally receive salaries despite not being legitimate employees. In some cases, public officials allegedly add the names of relatives, friends or associates to the payroll and divert the salaries for personal gain.

Aliyu revealed that investigators uncovered one case involving a suspect who allegedly placed the names of his wife, son and mother-in-law on the payroll while simultaneously collecting salaries meant for 12 other fictitious workers.

The Nigeria Police Force recorded the highest number of suspected ghost workers, with 570 names flagged during the verification exercise.

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The National Water Resources Authority followed with 80 suspected ghost workers, while the Federal Ministry of Works recorded 56.

Other agencies affected include the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which had 24 suspected ghost workers, the Federal Ministry of Defence with 19, and both the Federal Ministry of Power and the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, each with 17 suspected ghost workers.

The Federal Ministry of Health recorded 15 suspected ghost workers, while the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation had 12.

The Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation and the Federal Ministry of Interior were also identified as agencies affected by payroll fraud, although the ICPC did not disclose the number of suspected ghost workers linked to the two institutions because investigations are still ongoing.

The commission explained that the payroll audit forms part of its broader strategy to support the Federal Government’s drive to eliminate financial leakages from the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS) and strengthen transparency in public financial management.

As part of the anti-graft campaign, the ICPC recently secured a final forfeiture order from the Federal High Court in Abuja for approximately ₦942 million traced to accounts linked to the payroll fraud scheme. The recovered funds have been forfeited to the Federal Government.

The commission disclosed that an earlier phase of the investigation initially identified 587 suspected ghost workers during a joint payroll audit conducted with the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation. Following further verification, 120 individuals were confirmed to be legitimate employees, while investigations into the remaining suspicious accounts continue.

Aliyu said the ICPC would continue to deploy technology, data analytics and collaboration with relevant government agencies to detect payroll fraud, recover stolen public funds and prosecute anyone found culpable.

He also urged heads of ministries, departments and agencies to strengthen internal control systems, conduct regular personnel audits and ensure strict compliance with payroll verification procedures to prevent future abuses.

The ICPC reaffirmed its commitment to sanitising the Federal Government payroll system, blocking revenue leakages and promoting transparency, accountability and prudent management of public resources.

ICPC uncovers 908 suspected ghost workers in Police, other federal agencies, recovers ₦942m

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How to apply for FG’s YouthCred loan and qualify for up to ₦2 million

Published

4 hours ago

July 23, 2026

Trends Admin

How to apply for FG’s YouthCred loan and qualify for up to ₦2 million

The Federal Government has launched YouthCred for Entrepreneurs, a new financing initiative designed to provide collateral-free business loans of between ₦200,000 and ₦2 million to young Nigerians running micro and small businesses.

The programme, unveiled in Abuja, is part of the government’s broader effort to improve access to affordable credit, reduce barriers to entrepreneurship and support the growth of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across the country.

According to the government, the initiative will initially support 500,000 young entrepreneurs, with plans to expand the programme to one million beneficiaries before the end of the year.

Unlike conventional bank loans that often require collateral and guarantors, YouthCred uses an alternative credit assessment model that evaluates applicants based on their business cash flow, repayment capacity and credit behaviour.

Who is eligible to apply?

To qualify for the YouthCred loan, applicants must:

Be between 18 and 35 years old
Own or operate a business
Demonstrate responsible credit behaviour
Show evidence of business cash flow and ability to repay the loan
Complete the required verification process

How much can applicants borrow?

Eligible entrepreneurs can access loans ranging from:

Minimum: ₦200,000
Maximum: ₦2 million

The amount approved will depend on the applicant’s business performance, repayment capacity and credit assessment.

Who can benefit?

The programme targets young Nigerians operating small businesses and providing essential services, including:

Caterers
Fashion designers and tailors
Make-up artists
Hairdressers and barbers
Content creators
Ride-hailing drivers
Mechanics
Young farmers
National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members
ICT professionals
Other eligible micro and small business owners

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How to apply for the FG’s YouthCred loan

Applicants can complete their application online by following these steps:

Step 1: Visit the official YouthCred application portal.

Step 2: Create an account using your email address and personal details.

Step 3: Select the Youth Entrepreneur category.

Step 4: Fill in the online application form with accurate personal and business information.

Step 5: Upload the required identification and verification documents.

Step 6: Submit the application for verification and credit assessment.

Step 7: If successful, the application will be processed through participating regulated financial institutions before the loan is disbursed.

Is collateral required?

No.

One of the major advantages of the YouthCred programme is that applicants are not required to provide collateral or guarantors.

Instead, loan approval is based on:

Business cash flow
Credit history
Repayment capacity
Overall financial assessment

Flexible repayment options

Successful applicants can repay the loan over a period of one to 12 months, depending on the repayment plan that best suits their business and financial situation.

The flexible repayment structure is intended to make borrowing more accessible while encouraging responsible financial management.

How to increase your loan limit

Borrowers who perform well under the programme can qualify for larger loans in future by:

Repaying previous loans on time
Building a positive credit history
Completing the platform’s financial literacy and business training modules

Government explains purpose of the scheme

Speaking at the launch, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy said the initiative was created to unlock the entrepreneurial potential of young Nigerians by giving them access to affordable financing.

According to the minister, more than 90 per cent of Nigeria’s MSMEs are microenterprises operated by individuals such as caterers, mechanics, fashion designers, ride-hailing drivers, content creators and young farmers.

He said improving access to credit would help these entrepreneurs expand their businesses, create jobs and contribute more to national economic growth.

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP), Uzoma Nwagba, said the government intends to reach 500,000 beneficiaries in the first phase and one million young Nigerians before the end of the year.

He encouraged beneficiaries to repay their loans promptly, noting that responsible borrowing would strengthen their credit profiles and allow more Nigerians to benefit from the programme.

The Federal Government said the initiative forms part of its broader strategy to promote financial inclusion, stimulate entrepreneurship and empower young Nigerians with affordable access to business financing.