Edo State’s government, through its Ministry of Business, Trade, and Cooperatives, has urged supermarket owners across the state to boost the local economy by increasing their patronage of locally-produced goods and supporting Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). This call aims to foster economic growth, job creation, and a more sustainable, diversified economy for the state.
In a recent visit to several prominent supermarkets in Benin City, the Ministry made an impassioned plea to business owners to help stimulate local production. Hon. Patrick Uanseru, the state’s Commissioner for Business, Trade, and Cooperatives, underscored the critical role these businesses can play in strengthening the state’s economy. He emphasized that by prioritizing local products, supermarkets would help create sustainable markets and support the success of local MSMEs.
Hon. Uanseru highlighted that the administration of Governor Godwin Obaseki has been heavily investing in the development of the entrepreneurial sector, with a particular focus on food production and processing. However, he stressed that for these efforts to be successful, there must be a robust market for locally-produced goods. Without accessible retail outlets, the government’s support for food processing and production could go unrealized.
The commissioner pointed out the irony of supermarkets importing products like plantain chips, chin chin, groundnuts, yam flour, and plantain flour, even though Edo State has an abundance of raw materials and local producers. He called for a shift towards stocking locally-made products to reduce reliance on external sources and to better utilize the state’s resources.
Phil Edigin, the Executive Director and owner of Phil Hall Mark Supermarket in Benin City, hosted the commissioner during his visit, showcasing several locally-produced items available in his store. While discussing the challenges and opportunities for local producers, Mr. Edigin noted that while some products show promise, many do not meet international standards, making it difficult to stock them in his supermarket.
He emphasized that product quality and packaging are essential to success in the retail sector. Despite his support for local businesses, Mr. Edigin clarified that he would not compromise on quality for the sake of profit. He stated that products not meeting the required standards—regardless of their origin—would not make it to the shelves of his supermarket. This commitment to quality control underscores the importance of rigorous standards for local producers looking to break into the retail market.
Mr. Edigin also highlighted the critical role of packaging in product success, noting that it is not only necessary for maintaining product integrity but also for appealing to consumers. Proper packaging enhances a product’s marketability and ensures safety, which ultimately helps products stand out in a competitive market.
In appreciation of Mr. Edigin’s contributions to reducing unemployment and his efforts to support local producers, Hon. Uanseru commended the supermarket for its range of made-in-Edo products. He encouraged Mr. Edigin to continue fostering opportunities for local entrepreneurs.
The commissioner also visited Fordmart Shopping Legacy Mall, where he lauded the management for showcasing a diverse range of locally-produced items, helping to promote local businesses and raise awareness about the benefits of supporting homegrown products.
During his visits to other supermarkets, including Anambra Supermarket, Market Square, JARA Supermarket, and Stop 2 Shop, the commissioner expressed gratitude to the store owners for their commitment to stocking local products. He commended these supermarkets for their efforts to contribute to the growth of the local economy by promoting locally made goods. The visits highlighted a growing trend among supermarket owners in Edo State to prioritize and support local businesses, marking a significant step towards creating a sustainable and resilient economy.
