- UK Envoy highlights Nigeria as high-growth market
The Body Shop has officially opened its first store in West Africa, launching in Nigeria’s capital, Abuja, on Saturday. The store, located at Jabi Mall, marks a significant step for the British cosmetics, skincare, and perfume company, which was founded in 1976 by Anita Roddick in Brighton, England.
The opening ceremony was officiated by the British Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, Gill Lever, who described the event as a milestone in UK-Nigeria trade relations. Lever highlighted that Nigeria has been identified by the UK’s Department for Business and Trade as a high-growth market, reflecting its economic potential and expanding middle class.
“It is an absolute pleasure to join you today to celebrate the launch of The Body Shop here in Nigeria,” Lever said. “This launch is not just about opening a store—it signifies the strength of UK-Nigeria collaboration, the power of ethical business, and a shared commitment to female empowerment.”
Lever noted that trade between the UK and Nigeria reached £7.8 billion in 2023, up from £6.9 billion in 2022, making Nigeria the UK’s second-largest trading partner in Africa. She emphasized that The Body Shop’s values of ethical consumerism, sustainability, and community empowerment align with the aspirations of Nigerian consumers.
The Nigerian franchise is led by British Nigerians Edward Nnadi (CEO) and Shalom Lloyd (MD), whose business portfolio includes Jean Edwards Consulting (UK and Nigeria), Naturally Tiwa Skincare (UK), and Naturally Tribal Nigeria. Their businesses prioritize social impact, particularly supporting female empowerment through fair trade in the shea industry and providing free cervical cancer screenings.
“The Body Shop is not just a beauty brand; it’s a movement,” Lever added. “By bringing these values to Nigeria, The Body Shop is contributing to the empowerment of local communities and the protection of our planet.”
The launch underscores growing confidence in Nigeria’s market and signals new opportunities for sustainable and inclusive economic growth between the UK and Nigeria.
