Nigeria’s supermarket industry has grown over the past few decades into one of West Africa’s largest retail markets. This expansion has been driven by entrepreneurs who started with small family-owned shops and built networks of dozens of stores, creating thousands of jobs and serving millions of consumers every day.
Among the country’s largest chains is Justrite, founded in 2000 by Ayodele and Oluwatosin Aderinwale. The company grew from a neighbourhood shop into a network of about 40 stores across Lagos, Ogun and Osun states. According to company information, the entry of institutional investors helped finance its expansion, modernise operations and strengthen the distribution of consumer goods.
Another prominent figure is Ebele Enunwa, founder of Market Square, which was launched in 2015 with the aim of offering quality products at affordable prices. The chain has since expanded to dozens of outlets across several Nigerian states. Businessman Tayo Amusan also played a major role in the sector by leading the acquisition of Shoprite’s Nigerian operations in 2021, turning the South African supermarket chain into a Nigerian-controlled business.
The development of these companies also highlights the importance of family-owned businesses in the growth of Nigeria’s retail sector. FoodCo, for example, began in 1981 as a small fruit and vegetable shop and was later expanded with a bank loan of 5,000 naira. Today, it operates more than 20 outlets. Despite inflation, currency depreciation and changing consumer habits, Nigerian entrepreneurs continue to invest in expansion, local production and the modernisation of retail trade.
28/07/2026
