TheCable

The Ikeja Shopping Mall branch of Shoprite re-opened for business on Saturday after several hours of being shut by the Lagos Safety Commission.

An official of the commission told TheCable that the authorities decided to clampdown on the mega supermarket for violating the state’s safety law.

“The Lagos state Safety Commission of the state government sealed the Ikeja Shoprite following a breach of safety law by the company and is taking necessary measures to contain the situation,” the official said.

The supermarket remained locked for almost 12 hours with a notice pasted at its entrance.

“Sealed, this premises has been sealed following the breach of safety law. This seal must not be broken. For further enquiries, contact the commission,” the notice read.

However, a source told TheCable that a permanent secretary and a commissioner, intervened before it was re-opened.

The government officials were said to have gone there with the intention of shopping.

Prior to their intervention, most of the people, who usually throng there, particularly on weekends, had left in disappointment.

Mixed reactions trailed the move of the regulatory agency.

“I am happy with this development because I have been a victim of this outlet on three occasions when I bought edible items only to discover some of them are expired,” a lady said.

“I want the government to take more legal actions against others who are culpable of the offence. I am glad Nigeria is finally working.”

Some of the stranded consumers

But Hanna Adebimpe, who was more concerned about the inconvenience that she experienced, blamed the commission for not informing the public about the action.

“I came all the way from Berger to buy things for my grandchildren who are going on holiday, only for me to get here and discovered Shoprite is closed,” she said.

“This is painful. The commission should have passed a message to the general public after taking the action.”

Ademola Olofinro corroborated Adebimpe saying: “In as much as the government is trying to take measures to curb inadequacies in various industries, information as to why this action was taken should be duly communicated to the people.”

Business resumes after the compulsory break 

As at the time of filing this report, activities had reached its peak in the supermarket, as customers who had been stranded rushed to pick up different items.

Shoprite, which is listed on Namibia Stock Exchange and Zambian Stock Exchange, is a South African-based retail and fast food company.

It operates over 1,200 corporate and 270 franchise outlets in 16 countries across Africa and the Indian Ocean Islands.