By Erewunmi Peace

Shoprite, Nigeria’s biggest retail chain, has shut down its outlets in Ibadan (Oyo State) and Ilorin (Kwara State) as the company battles economic challenges and supply shortages.

Shoppers in Ibadan confirmed that the popular Shoprite outlets along Ring Road and Mokola have been closed for several days. In Ilorin, the once-busy store was found nearly deserted, with empty shelves and a notice suggesting the closure was “temporary due to circumstances beyond management’s control.”

Reports also show that other branches in Lagos and Abuja are struggling with scanty shelves, limited stock, and reduced operations, reflecting a nationwide supply crisis.

Industry watchers link the development to rising operational costs, foreign exchange instability, and supply chain disruptions, which have hit many retail businesses in Nigeria.

While Shoprite management has not officially announced a permanent exit from the affected states, analysts warn that prolonged closures could signal deeper troubles for the South African-owned franchise, which had transferred its Nigerian operations to local investors in 2021.

Shoppers and employees are now anxiously awaiting clarification on whether the closures in Ibadan and Ilorin are temporary suspensions or part of a larger restructuring of the retail giant’s Nigerian footprint.