Gbajabiamila praises Wike over retail partnership deal

On Tuesday in Abuja, the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for his role in supporting a business-friendly environment that led to a partnership between HyperCity and Carrefour.

The remarks were made during a franchise signing ceremony attended by business leaders and government officials, where Gbajabiamila represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He described the agreement as a sign that investors are gaining confidence in Nigeria’s economy and pointed to the role of the FCT administration in making the deal possible.

He noted that the minister’s approach to governance has helped improve business activity in Abuja and has contributed to attracting private investment into the capital city. He also said the partnership goes beyond Abuja and reflects Nigeria’s growing position as a destination for investors across Africa.

According to him, the retail collaboration is expected to start in Abuja and later spread to other cities, including Lagos, as part of a wider expansion plan. He added that the development could lead to growth in the retail sector and create more opportunities across the country.

Speaking at the event, the Managing Director of HyperCity, Sunny Chuwla, said the partnership would support economic activity by bringing in investment, creating jobs, and opening up opportunities for local producers and suppliers. He explained that the plan includes setting up new stores in Abuja and other major cities to improve access to modern retail services.

He also said the company aims to combine global standards with local business efforts to improve shopping experiences for Nigerians. He added that the move reflects confidence in the Nigerian market, based on growth recorded since the company opened its first store in Port Harcourt in 2022.

As part of the next phase, existing stores in Port Harcourt are expected to operate under the Carrefour brand, while further expansion plans are already underway. The development positions Abuja as a growing centre for retail activity, with expectations that similar investments will extend to other parts of the country.