'Where will slay Mamas be taking pictures now?' Nigerians react to Shoprite's departure

Jude Egbas 13:31 - 03 August 2020

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Nigerians are blaming the Buhari-led administration for Shoprite's exit, while asking for the quality of bread not to be tampered with.

Nigerians have been reacting to news that Shoprite Holdings Limited is closing its supermarkets across the country.

The South Africa-based retailer says it is selling off majority stake in its supermarkets in Nigeria after “approaches from various potential investors, and in line with our re-evaluation of the group’s operating model.”

Shoprite adds that it is exiting certain countries if that would help reverse regional sales declines.

The retailer has been battling currency-induced inflation surges in several other African countries.

Nigerians have been having a say on social media platform, Twitter, and Shoprite has been trending for most of Monday, August 3, 2020.

Here are a couple of reactions that have caught the eye and typically, there's been enough blame to go around...

Nigerians who have no understanding of basic economics will argue the Shoprite exit is good for Nigerians. Its a time for locals to RISE. Everyone else will be shocked and saddened by what this actually means for FDI and our path to a more formalised economy.
— Mazi Chukwuma Jason Njoku (@JasonNjoku) August 3, 2020

ShopriteSA contributed 78% of sales saw 8.7% rise. When I tried to explain the collapse & hollowing out of a consumer class folks called me unpatriotic. Nigerians always seem to overvalue the Nigeria market. Who cursed us with this Jayant of Hafrica thing https://t.co/kSUZq4Ntw0
— Mazi Chukwuma Jason Njoku (@JasonNjoku) August 3, 2020

All I have to say about the Shoprite thing (read: all I’ll say online) is that large companies hire more people than SMEs and you can’t be serious about economic development and raising employment if you gleeful when big players like this exit.
— S. (@saratu) August 3, 2020

A simple glance at Shoprite’s pan-African report sheet shows you exactly why they’re exiting the market.

It’s not profitable due to a weakening economy.
— Editi Effiòng (@EditiEffiong) August 3, 2020

Kingsway, Leventis, Chellarams & now Shoprite.

Why can't retail stores survive in Nigeria?
— Temisan Okomi (@temiokomi) August 3, 2020

Shoprite is pulling out of Nigeria & is launching a formal process to sell their stake

SA listed companies have found it challenging to do business in Nigeria. MTN, Tiger Brands & now Shoprite

Sharp reminder the sheer arrogance of thinking Africa is "all the same" will burn you
— Koshiek Karan (@iamkoshiek) August 3, 2020

If Shoprite wants to stay,they can stay;if they want to go,they can go;it will help local supermarkets to grow.
— Senator Shehu Sani (@ShehuSani) August 3, 2020

The Board of Africa's biggest retailer, Shoprite, has announced plans to discontinue operations in Nigeria after 15 years in. While this may open up opportunities for local investors in that sector, it is a bad pointer to what Nigeria has become as an investment destination. pic.twitter.com/GYTTIrHrmM
— Ayò-Bánkólé Akíntújoyè (@AyoBankole) August 3, 2020

Anticipatory LOL @ how some Nigerians are going to politicize this news of Shoprite exploring a sale of Nigerian Biz. All sorts of foolish hot takes in the coming hours😂

PS: Gloaters about Mr Price leaving Nigeria will not mention they’ve also recently exited Australia & Poland https://t.co/HNhQXx5fSG
— Tolu Ogunlesi, MON (@toluogunlesi) August 3, 2020

Mr Price has closed shop and left Nigeria. Apparently Shoprite too is closing its operations and leaving Nigeria after selling its stakes.

Very soon multichoice and MTN might also leave. Buhari is really doing a great job and Nigerians are lucky to have him as President.
— Kelvin Odanz (@MrOdanz) August 3, 2020

ShopRite leaving is proof you need that Buhari is an economic failure

Nigerians are poorer, FDI is leaving and foreign companies are closing

You don't fight poverty by closing your borders for trade

You will just create a man made inflation & worsen poverty
— William (@_SirWilliam_) August 3, 2020

Based on memos flying up and down

Apparently there are local investors interested in the shoprite franchise.

So technically na just new ownership
— Osi (@Osi_Suave) August 3, 2020

You people who backed Buhari had foresight sha.

Nigeria Bottling Company closed the Kaduna plant.

Procter & Gamble closed a $300 million plant roughly a year after opening it.

Now Shoprite is leaving Nigeria.

Going according to plan, huh?
— Gene Grey (@EuginhoCortez) August 3, 2020

Nigerians have started again this morning, when you lot were destroying/looting shoprite branches doing tit for tat, even the govt begged you to stop you ignored. Now shoprite is leaving you are questioning Buhari & Osinbajo. Wailers will use every opportunity to blame the govt.
— Tise Somide (@JayTise) August 3, 2020