By Nkiruka Nnorom

For more than 4,000 Nigerians employed across its stores and operations, Marketsquare’s 10th anniversary is more than a corporate milestone. It is a celebration of livelihoods created, careers built, and opportunities unlocked over the past decade.

For hundreds of suppliers, it represents business growth and expanded market access. For host communities, it reflects investment, development, and the presence of a homegrown business that has grown alongside them. And for many observers of Nigeria’s economic landscape, it is evidence that indigenous companies can create value that extends far beyond their balance sheets.

These themes were at the heart of conversations as Sundry Markets Limited, owners of Marketsquare, marked its tenth anniversary under the theme “10 Years Strong – Powered by People, Driven by Purpose”. While the occasion provided an opportunity to celebrate the company’s growth from a single store in Yenagoa to Nigeria’s largest indigenous grocery retail chain, much of the discussion focused on the people and communities that have been part of that journey.

Creating Jobs, Building Careers

Employment creation remains one of the most tangible measures of a company’s impact on society, and over the last decade, Marketsquare has become a significant employer across Nigeria.

From frontline store personnel and customer service representatives to supervisors, managers, warehouse staff, and logistics professionals, the company has created over 4,000 direct jobs nationwide.

For many young Nigerians entering the workforce, organised retail provides one of the few sectors where structured career development opportunities continue to exist at scale. As Marketsquare expanded into new cities and states, it also created opportunities for skills development, management training, and long-term career progression.

Reflecting on the company’s growth, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Ebele Enunwa, noted: “From a handful of employees to thousands, Marketsquare has served millions, created jobs, and raised the bar for grocery retail in Nigeria.”

Behind that statement are thousands of individual stories: graduates securing their first jobs, employees advancing into leadership positions, and families whose livelihoods have been supported through stable employment opportunities.

In many communities, the opening of a Marketsquare store has brought with it not only access to modern retail but also new employment prospects for local residents.

Supporting Nigerian Businesses Through Supplier Partnerships

The impact of Marketsquare’s growth extends well beyond its workforce.

Today, the company works with more than 900 suppliers across the country, including manufacturers, farmers, processors, distributors, and service providers.

These partnerships have created valuable opportunities for local businesses seeking to scale their operations and reach larger consumer markets.

For many small and medium-sized enterprises, access to organised retail chains can be transformative. It provides a reliable route to market, increased product visibility, and the potential for sustained business growth.

As Marketsquare expanded from one store to a national retail network, many of its supplier relationships evolved alongside it.

This has enabled numerous Nigerian businesses to strengthen production capacity, improve operational standards, and expand their commercial reach.

The Chairman of the Board, Engr. Charles Odita believes this broader economic contribution is central to the company’s purpose. “Our contribution goes beyond retail. We have strengthened local economies, empowered businesses, and created opportunities that improve lives across the communities we serve.”

His remarks highlight an important reality: successful retailers do not operate in isolation. They form part of a larger economic ecosystem that supports production, distribution, and enterprise development.

Strengthening Local Economies
Every new store represents more than a commercial investment; It brings activity to local economies through employment, supplier engagement, transportation services, facility management contracts, and a range of support services.

The economic ripple effect can be substantial. Local artisans, maintenance contractors, cleaning service providers, security personnel, and logistics operators all benefit from the presence of large retail facilities within their communities.

As Marketsquare expanded across 19 cities and 15 states, these benefits were replicated across multiple locations, contributing to economic activity beyond the retail sector itself.

This multiplier effect is often overlooked when discussing organised retail, yet it remains one of the industry’s most significant contributions to economic development.

Investing in Communities Beyond Business
While commercial growth has been a defining feature of Marketsquare’s first decade, company leaders have consistently emphasised the importance of giving back to the communities that support the business.

Over the years, Sundry Markets has undertaken a range of social investment initiatives aimed at improving lives and creating opportunities.

These initiatives have included: scholarships and educational support programmes, medical outreach and healthcare interventions, women empowerment initiatives, community development projects, support for cultural and local development programmes

For the company, these interventions reflect a broader philosophy about the role of business in society. “We firmly believe business success must go hand in hand with meaningful social impact,” Odita said.

This perspective increasingly resonates in a business environment where stakeholders expect companies to contribute positively to the communities in which they operate.

Powered by People

The theme of the anniversary celebration, Powered by People, Driven by Purpose, was more than a slogan.

Throughout the event, company leaders repeatedly acknowledged the contributions of employees, customers, suppliers and communities to the organisation’s success.

According to Odita: “We grew because we were driven by a clear purpose and powered by exceptional people.” That people-centred philosophy has helped shape the company’s culture over the last decade.

It has also reinforced the idea that sustainable growth depends not only on strategy and investment but also on the relationships a company builds with those around it.

A Homegrown Success Story

At a time when conversations about economic development often focus on attracting investment, Marketsquare’s story serves as a reminder of the importance of nurturing indigenous enterprise.

From a single store in Yenagoa in 2015, the company has grown into a national retail brand with a presence across multiple regions of the country.

The journey reflects what can be achieved when local businesses are able to identify opportunities, invest consistently and remain committed to long-term growth.

For many observers, Marketsquare’s success demonstrates that Nigerian-owned companies can build institutions capable of competing at scale while creating meaningful social and economic impact.

Looking Ahead

As Sundry Markets enters its second decade, the company plans to continue expanding its footprint and deepening its impact.

Its Vision 2030 agenda includes further expansion into underserved communities, investments in technology and innovation, leadership development, and sustainability initiatives.

Yet despite these ambitions, company leaders insist that the organisation’s purpose remains unchanged. The focus will continue to be on creating opportunities, improving customer experiences, and contributing positively to the communities it serves.

Beyond the Numbers

The story of Marketsquare’s first decade can be told through many statistics: 41 stores, 19 cities, 15 states, over two million customers served monthly, more than 900 suppliers and over 4,000 direct jobs created.

But perhaps the more meaningful measure of success lies beyond the numbers. It can be found in the employee whose career began at a store opening, the supplier whose business expanded through a new partnership, the student who benefited from a scholarship programme, or the community that gained access to new opportunities through local investment.

Those stories may not always appear on financial statements, but they form an important part of Marketsquare’s legacy.

As the company looks toward the future, they also provide a reminder that its greatest impact may not simply be the stores it has built, but the lives it has touched along the way.