Indigenous grocery retail company Sundry Markets Limited has created over 4,000 jobs over the past decade, strengthening local supply chains, supporting local businesses, and enabling inclusive economic growth across Nigerian communities. The company commemorated its 10-year milestone, highlighting remarkable resilience, sustained expansion, and measurable contributions to Nigeria's economic development, reinforcing its position as a driving force in the country's evolving retail landscape.
Founder's Vision and Growth
Founder and Chief Executive Officer Ebele Enunwa stated that despite Nigeria's economy increasingly relying on resilient indigenous enterprises, the homegrown grocery retail chain has emerged as a clear model of sustainable success. Enunwa added that the company's growth trajectory underscores its extraordinary expansion, evolving over the past decade into a significant contributor to Nigeria's economy, driving employment, strengthening local supply chains, and enabling inclusive growth.
Key Contributions
Enunwa highlighted the company's key contributions: over 4,000 direct jobs created nationwide, partnerships with over 900 suppliers supporting local businesses, serving over two million customers monthly, and operating across more than 50,000 square metres of retail space. “From a handful of employees to thousands, Marketsquare has served millions, created jobs, and raised the bar for grocery retail in Nigeria,” Enunwa noted.
The founder explained that the firm has grown into Nigeria's largest indigenous grocery retail chain, from a single store in Bayelsa State to 41 stores across 15 states, demonstrating the power of vision, execution, and adaptability. “Ten years ago, Sundry Markets was only a dream. Today, Marketsquare has become a household name across Nigeria,” Enunwa said.
Addressing Market Gaps and Social Impact
Enunwa said the company was established to address critical gaps in Nigeria's grocery retail space and has redefined what customers expect from modern supermarkets. Beyond commercial success, the company has invested in social impact through scholarships and education initiatives, medical outreaches and community programmes, support for culture and local development, as well as women empowerment and sustainability efforts.
Future Strategy: Vision 2030
Looking ahead, Enunwa said the company will advance its Vision 2030 strategy in its next phase of growth, focusing on innovation, technology, and sustainability. Strategic priorities include expansion into underserved communities across Nigeria, digital transformation and AI-driven retail solutions, enhanced customer experience and convenience, continued investment in people and leadership development, and strengthened commitment to sustainability and renewable energy.
Board Chairman's Perspective
Board Chairman Charles Odita emphasised the broader impact, noting that the company's contribution goes beyond retail. He said the company has strengthened local economies, empowered businesses, and created opportunities that improve lives across its host communities. “Sundry Markets' journey has been shaped by resilience—navigating infrastructure challenges and an evolving business environment. This adaptability has enabled the company to consistently evolve, delivering modern, clean, safe, and customer-focused retail environments that set new benchmarks across the industry,” he noted.
