Gbajabiamila hails Wike as hypercity, carrefour sign franchise deal in Abuja

Presidential Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila has commended FCT Minister Nyesom Wike for his role in facilitating a franchise partnership between Nigerian retail chain Hypercity Supermarket and French retail giant Carrefour, describing the deal as a statement of confidence in Nigeria’s economy.

Gbajabiamila spoke on behalf of President Bola Tinubu at the franchise signing ceremony in Abuja on Tuesday, singling out Wike as a “deep thinker” whose business-oriented approach to governance was delivering tangible results for the capital.

“Abuja is sowing the seed, but that seed will grow into a tree with many branches in different cities in Nigeria,” he said, adding that the partnership signalled Nigeria’s status as Africa’s premier investment destination and was already eyeing expansion into Lagos and other major cities.

**The Deal**

Hypercity Managing Director Sunny Chuwla described the signing as a beginning rather than a finish line, saying the collaboration would drive investment, create jobs, and expand market access for local suppliers.

He said the partnership built on momentum generated since the company opened its first store in Port Harcourt in 2022, adding that existing Port Harcourt stores would transition to the Carrefour brand as part of the expansion plan.

“By combining global operational excellence with local ambition, the initiative aims to build a world-class retail ecosystem that delivers quality products and modern shopping experiences to Nigerian families,” Chuwla said.

New stores are planned for Abuja and other major cities across the federation, with Lagos identified as a near-term priority.