As Nigerian-owned retail chains expand, business leaders say local investment is reclaiming the market, creating jobs and boosting inclusive growth.
President of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Leye Kupoluyi, says the rise of indigenous supermarkets is key to Nigeria’s economic independence. Speaking at the opening of The Mart Supermarket, Isheri branch, he noted that Nigerian-owned chains are steadily taking back a sector once dominated by foreign brands.
Kupoluyi described the expansion as a smart response to the decline of neighbourhood shops, offering Nigerians easy access to essentials—from groceries and meat to electronics—while cutting long-distance travel. He added that such investments create jobs and deepen local participation in the economy.
Ogun State’s Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Investment, Adebola Sofela, said the opening of The Mart’s regional outlets shows what private-sector-led growth can achieve. Represented by Kehinde Omitogun, he noted the OPIC flagship store would strengthen commercial services and generate youth employment, aligning with Governor Dapo Abiodun’s vision.
Founder of The Mart Supermarket, Mrs ‘Layo Bakare-Okeowo, urged banks and the Federal Government to provide genuine single-digit interest loans to manufacturers to boost Made-in-Nigeria products. She lamented that such facilities are often inaccessible and called for greater transparency and stronger political will to support local manufacturing.
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