The Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, has commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for creating an enabling environment that attracted a major retail partnership between Hypercity and Carrefour.
Gbajabiamila gave the commendation in Abuja on Tuesday while representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the franchise signing ceremony between the two retail brands. He described the deal as a strong vote of confidence in Nigeria’s economy and a signal to global investors that the country remains open for business.
He singled out Wike for his role in facilitating the agreement, describing the FCT Minister as a “deep thinker” whose approach to governance is producing visible economic results in the nation’s capital.
According to him, the partnership reflects ongoing efforts to reposition Abuja as a major commercial hub, adding that the development is capable of triggering a broader transformation in Nigeria’s retail sector.
“This is not just about Abuja. It is about Nigeria showing itself as a viable destination for investment,” Gbajabiamila said, noting that the project is expected to expand into other cities, including Lagos, in the near future.
He added that the initiative represents the beginning of a retail shift that could spread across the country, with Abuja laying the foundation for what he described as a nationwide economic opportunity.
Speaking at the event, Hypercity Managing Director, Sunny Chuwla, said the partnership with Carrefour would drive significant investment into the Nigerian economy, create jobs, and open up opportunities for local producers and suppliers.
He disclosed that plans are already in place to open new stores in Abuja and other major cities, while existing outlets in Port Harcourt will be rebranded under the Carrefour franchise as part of the expansion strategy.
Chuwla described the agreement as a long-term investment in Nigeria, stressing that the goal is to combine international retail standards with local enterprise to deliver improved shopping experiences for consumers.
He noted that Nigeria has moved beyond being seen as a market of potential to one of real opportunity, pointing to the company’s growth since launching operations in Port Harcourt in 2022.
With the deal now sealed, stakeholders say the focus will shift to implementation, with expectations that the partnership will strengthen Abuja’s position as a growing retail destination and encourage more foreign investment into the country.
