Shoprite-Nigeria, a major retail outlet on consumer goods owned by South Africans, which has been operating in the country for about fifteen years has reportedly concluded plans to leave the country.
In a statement on Monday, the company said it has been approached by potential investors willing to take over its Nigerian operations.
The company however disclosed that it is considering an outright sale of its operation in its Nigerian subsidiary.
Reacting to the development, former lawmaker that represented Kaduna Central in the 8th Senate, Shehu Sani on his social media handle said there is no cause for alarm that they are free to leave if the wish.
“If Shoprite wants to stay, they can stay. If they want to go, they can go; it will help local markets to grow”, he tweeted.
Similarly, a Lagos-based entrepreneur and real estate merchant, Chief Olusegun Akiti said that such a move is a welcome development in favour of Nigeria’s economy, and shouldn’t be discouraged.
“It’s a good news, now we can covert it to indigenous owned investment to empower citizens, and we shall run it better, at least they have trained a lot of Nigerians, what’s needed is discipline to ensure it flourishes”, Chief Akiti stated.
However, the company has debunked the allegation that it is leaving the country.
In a telephone interview between the company’s official and Vanguard media over the allegation showed the management didn’t speak on the exit.
“Shoprite is not leaving Nigeria.
“We have only just opened to Nigerian investors which we have also been talking to just before now.
“We are not leaving, who leaves over a $30billion invest and close shop? It doesn’t sound right.
“We only just given this opportunity to Nigeria investors to come in and also help drive our expansion plan in Nigeria. So we are not leaving.
“I have tried to say this as too many people as I can. There should be no panic at all and all of that. There is no truth in that report”, Vanguard reported.