Deputy Senate President takes action to prevent Shoprite closure in Kano

Senator Barau Jibrin, the Deputy President of the Senate, has initiated efforts to prevent Shoprite, a prominent Nigerian supermarket chain, from closing its only branch in Kano State. This move follows ShopRite’s announcement of its intention to exit Kano in January 2024, citing a challenging economic environment.

In response to the company’s exit plan, Senator Barau’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ismail Mudashir, stated on Monday that the Deputy President of the Senate is scheduled to meet with Shoprite’s management in Abuja this week.

Mudashir affirmed, “The Office of the Deputy President of the Senate has set machinery in place to halt the exit of Shoprite from Kano State. Senator Barau I Jibrin will meet with the company’s management this week, and the issue will be discussed and hopefully resolved.”

While acknowledging the business nature of the situation, Mudashir emphasized the Deputy President’s commitment to exploring ways to encourage Shoprite to reconsider its decision and remain in Kano. He highlighted the vast business opportunities in Kano, known as the commercial hub of northern Nigeria, and expressed the government’s proactive stance in retaining investors.

This development comes against the backdrop of other multinational companies, such as Procter & Gamble and GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Nigeria Plc, announcing plans to exit Nigeria. The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria had previously indicated that more firms might shutter operations due to the challenging economic realities in the country.