Nigeria’s retail company, Shoprite has indicated its interest in commencing operations in Jos in the year 2022, stating that they are attracted by the huge potentials of Plateau State in terms of its agricultural products, serene environment, a huge market and opportunities for growth and development.
Mr Tayo Amusan, the Chairman of Ketron Investment Limited [owners of Shoprite] disclosed this during a courtesy visit to the Plateau State Governor, Simon Bako Lalong at the Government House, Rayfield Jos on Friday.
According to Mr Amusan, Plateau state is a natural attraction for tourists and visitors who need shopping and recreational facilities that the organisation is capable of providing in the planned rollout. Apart from Shoprite, there will be other facilities of the Jara brand to be rolled out according to its plan. This will however see to the development of Jos City Mall.
Governor Lalong’s spokesperson, Simon Makut said as part of the visit, the company signed a Memorandum of Understanding on the possible use of the old Nitel building which has been acquired by the Plateau Investment and Property Development Company for the development of the proposed facility.
In a separate remark, Governor Lalong lauded the company’s decision to launch its services on the Plateau. According to him, “Plateau State is a business destination and a home for all Nigerians and foreigners”.
Also, Gov. Lalong disclosed that with the approval for the upgrading of the Yakubu Gowon Airport Heipang into an international cargo airport, there will be more access for export and import into the State. The Governor further said that the state government has also acquired the Inland Container Depot in Heipang which will also serve as the hub for the Nigerian Shippers Council operations.
Currently, Shoprite has 25 outlets in eight states across Nigeria and with the inclusion of the Jos City Mall, there would be 26 outlets in nine states within the federation.
In June, Ketron Investment Limited – a Nigerian company owned by a group of local investors led by property firm Persianas Investment Ltd acquired Shoprite Holdings Limited after 16 years since its first outlet was launched.
