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

Published

6 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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Ondo Tragedy: 3 Siblings, Including Twins, Found Dead Near River on Family Farm

Published

6 hours ago

September 6, 2026

Trends Admin

Ondo State Police Public Relations Officer, Jimoh Abayomi

Ondo Tragedy: 3 Siblings, Including Twins, Found Dead Near River on Family Farm

A routine trip to a family farm in Akure, Ondo State, has ended in unimaginable tragedy after three siblings—including a set of 11-year-old twins—were found dead near the bank of a small river on the property, plunging their community into mourning.

The deceased children have been identified as 11-year-old twins Joshua Jonah and Jacob Jonah, and their five-year-old younger sister, Blessing Jonah. The devastating discovery was made on Saturday, September 5, 2026, less than 24 hours after the children were reported missing from their father’s farm located around the Owena Army Barracks area on the outskirts of Akure, the Ondo State capital.

According to family sources, the three children had accompanied their father, Samuel Jonah, to the farm on Friday, September 4, 2026. At some point, they reportedly left the farm ahead of their father to return home. However, when Samuel later returned home and could not find them, he immediately raised the alarm, prompting an extensive search by family members and neighbours around the farm, bushes, and adjoining paths. The search ended in sorrow on Saturday morning when the bodies of the three siblings were discovered near the bank of a small river within the farm.

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The tragic incident has thrown the Jonah family’s residence at Oke Ogba, Akure, into deep grief. When journalists visited the family home, the compound was filled with grieving relatives, friends and neighbours offering condolences, while the atmosphere remained tense and sorrowful as many struggled to come to terms with the loss of three young children from the same household in a single incident. One neighbour was quoted as saying, “It is too painful. Twins and their little sister. All gone together.”

The Ondo State Police Command confirmed the tragic incident. The command’s spokesman, DSP Jimoh Abayomi, stated that the children had gone to the farm with their father before their disappearance was discovered upon his return home. He added that a search operation was subsequently conducted, leading to the discovery of their bodies near the riverbank within the farm. “The Command is documenting the incident and investigation is ongoing to ascertain what led to their death,” Abayomi said. He confirmed that the bodies had since been released to their father, Samuel Jonah, for burial.

The police spokesperson also used the opportunity to advise parents and guardians to exercise greater vigilance over children, particularly when they are near rivers, streams, ponds, and other potentially dangerous bodies of water. He expressed the command’s condolences to the bereaved family and assured the public that the investigation would continue until the exact circumstances surrounding the deaths are established.

As of press time, the police had yet to establish the circumstances surrounding the children’s deaths. While the family prepares for their burial, the community continues to await answers over the tragedy that claimed three young lives from the same household. The incident has also renewed concerns in Akure over child safety on farms and around water bodies.

Ondo Tragedy: 3 Siblings, Including Twins, Found Dead Near River on Family Farm

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Three killed, 20 injured in Ife-Ilesa Expressway crash

Published

6 hours ago

September 6, 2026

Trends Admin

An accident Scene (File photo)

Three killed, 20 injured in Ife-Ilesa Expressway crash

Three people have been killed and 20 others injured in a road crash in Osun State involving a Toyota Hiace bus and a Volkswagen Golf car.

The fatal accident occurred on Saturday at Tonkere town, along the Ife-Ilesa Expressway, according to the Osun State Sector Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).

The Osun Sector Commander, Sunday Adebayo, disclosed the casualties in a statement issued in Osogbo, saying preliminary findings indicated that speeding and dangerous driving contributed to the crash.

Adebayo said a total of 23 people were involved in the accident, comprising 11 females, nine males and three children — two boys and one girl.

He said the three people who died were two females and one male, while the remaining 20 victims sustained varying degrees of injuries.

“Three people died. We have about 20 others who were injured in the accident.

“The accident happened due to speeding and dangerous driving,” Adebayo said.

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Following reports of the crash, FRSC patrol teams from Ile-Ife and Ilesa were deployed to the scene to carry out rescue operations and manage the aftermath.

The injured victims were evacuated to hospitals for medical attention, although the FRSC did not immediately disclose the names of the medical facilities where they were treated.

The crash occurred along one of the major routes connecting Ile-Ife and Ilesa, a busy corridor frequently used by commercial and private motorists travelling through Osun State.

The FRSC commander urged motorists to exercise greater caution while driving, particularly on highways where excessive speed can significantly increase the severity of crashes.

Adebayo said driving at a safer speed gives motorists more time to react to unexpected situations and can reduce the severity of injuries when collisions occur.

He also appealed to motorists to recognise their responsibility towards other road users, stressing that road safety is a shared responsibility.

According to him, the FRSC will continue its public enlightenment campaigns and road safety initiatives across Osun State as part of efforts to reduce road crashes and prevent avoidable deaths.

The command urged drivers to avoid speeding, dangerous driving and other behaviours capable of putting passengers and other road users at risk.

The Osun road crash is the latest fatal accident to raise concerns about road safety on major highways in the state, with authorities continuing to call for greater compliance with traffic regulations and safer driving practices.

Three killed, 20 injured in Ife-Ilesa Expressway crash

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Uba Sani’s aide defends Musa, urges critics to respond with facts

Published

6 hours ago

September 6, 2026

Trends Admin

Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd)

Uba Sani’s aide defends Musa, urges critics to respond with facts

The Senior Special Adviser to Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani on Public Affairs, Victor Mathew Bobai, has defended Minister of Defence Christopher Musa over his recent comments concerning former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, urging critics to challenge the minister with facts rather than resort to personal attacks.

Bobai said it was unfair to interpret Musa’s remarks during a recent Channels Television interview as a politically motivated or personal attack on the former governor.

The governor’s aide made the statement amid controversy surrounding Musa’s assessment of events in Kaduna State during El-Rufai’s administration.

During the interview, Musa criticised aspects of El-Rufai’s eight-year administration, alleging that some of the former governor’s policies and actions contributed to divisions between communities in Kaduna.

The Defence Minister also spoke about grievances in parts of Southern Kaduna, including killings recorded during the period, and said some residents remained unhappy over how the situation was handled.

Musa further praised Governor Uba Sani for what he described as efforts to promote greater unity and improve relations among communities across the state.

Despite his criticism of the former governor, Musa said he did not regard El-Rufai as an enemy, describing him instead as “misguided.”

Reacting to the controversy, Bobai argued that Musa’s comments should be understood as part of public discourse and should not be interpreted as an official military position or directive.

“We must distinguish between an official directive and a political opinion. General Musa did not issue a military order, announce a defence policy or instruct the Armed Forces to support any political party.

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“He participated in a public conversation and expressed his assessment of the political environment,” Bobai said.

The aide acknowledged the responsibilities attached to Musa’s position as Minister of Defence, but argued that holding a senior public office does not prevent an official from participating in discussions on issues of national importance.

He urged those who disagreed with Musa’s assessment to focus on the substance of his claims and provide evidence to counter them.

“Challenge General Musa’s facts if you disagree with them. Produce evidence. Correct him where necessary. But don’t replace argument with insults,” Bobai said.

Bobai also highlighted Musa’s military career, noting that he served in several command positions before becoming Chief of Defence Staff and later Minister of Defence.

“This is a man whose professional life was built around the Nigerian flag before any political party became relevant to his present position,” he said.

The governor’s aide further urged journalists, political commentators and other stakeholders to examine the public record when assessing the claims made during the interview.

He specifically called for scrutiny of El-Rufai’s speeches, interviews and public statements, alongside Musa’s comments, saying the issues raised had been subjects of public debate in Kaduna for several years.

Bobai also cautioned media organisations against presenting allegations or disputed political claims as established facts without supporting evidence or an authoritative finding.

The controversy followed Musa’s remarks about the political and security situation in Kaduna under El-Rufai, who governed the state between 2015 and 2023.

Musa alleged that Kaduna became deeply divided during the former governor’s tenure and referred to tensions between northern and southern parts of the state.

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He also claimed that some residents of Southern Kaduna faced insecurity and restrictions during the period, while others moved away from certain areas because of the tension.

The minister maintained that his comments were not driven by his Kaduna background but by his concern about national unity and the need for political leaders to bring Nigerians together.

Musa also called for political leadership that would reduce ethnic and religious divisions rather than exploit them for political advantage.

However, some of the claims made during the interview remain allegations and should not be treated as established facts without supporting evidence or findings from relevant authorities.

Bobai said defending the Defence Minister did not require attacking those who disagreed with him, stressing that evidence should form the basis of any response.

“Defending General Musa does not require attacking his critics. Our strongest defence is evidence, his record of service and the truth,” he said.

The intervention by Uba Sani’s aide comes as political debate intensifies around the legacy of the former Kaduna governor and the direction of the state ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Bobai called for continued public debate on contentious issues affecting Kaduna State and Nigeria, but urged political actors, journalists and members of the public to engage one another through evidence-based arguments, responsible journalism and respect for the rule of law.