Retail Supermarkets Nigeria Limited (RSNL), operators of the Shoprite brand in Nigeria, has refuted claims that it is shutting down operations in the country.
Amid growing concerns over dwindling activity at some of its outlets, the company has assured customers and stakeholders that it remains committed to the Nigerian market.
In a statement issued Friday, RSNL clarified that it is undergoing a major business model transformation aimed at realigning operations with Nigeria’s current economic realities.
“The previous model, which we inherited after acquisition, was largely built around expansive store formats, heavy reliance on imports and high operating costs,” the company explained.
“Given the current economic climate, marked by exchange rate fluctuations, inflation, and tight liquidity, this model is no longer sustainable.”
To address these challenges, the company said it has adopted a new, locally focused strategy.
The shift includes sourcing over 80% of its products within Nigeria and streamlining its operations to reduce overheads.
“This business reset is anchored on building strong local supply chains, improving affordability, and making the brand more culturally relevant to Nigerian consumers,” the statement added.
Bunmi Adeleye, Chief Strategy Officer at RSNL, described the ongoing changes as a “rebuilding phase,” emphasizing that Shoprite is not collapsing but repositioning.
“Yes, it has been a difficult period, but this is not the end, it’s a reset,” she said.
“The old model didn’t suit Nigeria’s economic landscape. With the support of new investors, we’re building a more local, resilient, and customer-focused Shoprite. We are coming back stronger and better.”
Shoprite’s management reaffirmed its long-term commitment to the country and assured customers of improved service and product availability in the near future.
