Retail Supermarket Nigeria Ltd (RSNL), owners of Shoprite in Nigeria, on Friday reopened the Circle Mall at Jakande, Lekki area of Lagos.
The reopening comes two years after the looting that followed the #EndSARS protest against police brutality and bad governance.
More than 50 businesses were housed in the mall before the protest.
Chief executive officer of RSNL Hubertus Rick said the mall’s reopening was in line with the organisation’s quest to make retail formats accessible to more Nigerians while rebuilding the economy.
He noted that the company currently boasts of 10,000 staff; directly and indirectly employed with a supply chain of more than 300 leading Nigerian suppliers, and partnership with many small businesses, farmers, suppliers of an assortment of local brands.
“Two years ago, we made a tough decision to shut down operations at the Shoprite Circle Mall in response to the insecurity situation.
“The closure was in the interest of our customers as well as our staff as we had to prioritise the safety of lives and properties ahead of other interests.
“Today, we’re happy to commence operations again as we have put measures in place to ensure the safety of all who will walk through our doors.
“We are aware of the impact that the closure has had on our supply chain as well as the business at large.
“As we reopen this store and other outlets in subsequent months, we are prioritising ensuring a safe shopping environment for our customers while expanding our retail network,” he said.
Rick also announced that the company, within the next six months, would open up its malls in locations namely: Benin, Kaduna and Port Harcourt.
He reiterated the company’s commitment to the safety and freshness of all consumables, agricultural and butchery products via its full integration from the farming, slaughtering to preparing for its customers.
Mr Olurotimi Bajomo, Centre Manager, Circle Mall, said the company went through several insurance and other processes to restart its operations.
“The management of the mall has introduced physical reenactments such as roller shutter doors, and engaged the services of the Nigeria Police and military officials as well as other security outfits to guarantee the safety of investments, people and properties,” he said.
