The Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, has praised the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, for creating an enabling environment for private enterprise, describing his role in facilitating the landmark partnership between Hypercity and Carrefour as commendable.
Speaking on behalf of President Bola Tinubu at the franchise signing ceremony in Abuja on Tuesday, Gbajabiamila described the collaboration as a “powerful statement of confidence” in Nigeria’s economy.
He singled out Wike for his “pivotal role” in bringing the deal to fruition, describing him as a “deep thinker” whose business-oriented approach to governance is yielding tangible results in the nation’s capital.
According to Gbajabiamila, the partnership is a direct testament to Wike’s commitment to reshaping the economic and physical landscape of Abuja. He added that while the initiative is taking root in the FCT, it signals Nigeria’s broader status as a leading investment destination in Africa.
“Abuja is sowing the seed, but that seed will grow into a tree with many branches in different cities across Nigeria,” he said, noting that expansion plans are already targeting Lagos and other major urban centres.
He also used the occasion to send a strong message to the global business community, urging investors to see Nigeria not just as a market, but as a stable home for long-term partnerships.
In his remarks, Managing Director of Hypercity, Sunny Chuwla, said the partnership would serve as a catalyst for economic growth, driving investment, job creation, and expanded opportunities for local suppliers and producers.
He disclosed that plans are underway for the immediate rollout of new stores in Abuja and other cities, aimed at promoting modern retail development.
Chuwla described the agreement as “a beginning rather than a finish line,” noting that it would help bridge global retail standards with local enterprise.
“By combining global operational excellence with local ambition, we aim to build a world-class retail ecosystem that delivers quality products and modern shopping experiences to Nigerian families,” he said.
He added that Nigeria has proven to be a market of real opportunity, citing strong growth since the company opened its first store in Port Harcourt in 2022.
As part of the next phase, existing stores in Port Harcourt will be transitioned to the Carrefour brand, while expansion into other major cities, including Lagos, is expected to follow.
The development positions Abuja as an emerging retail hub and showcases the stability and investment potential of Nigeria’s economy to the global business community.