Nigeria's organised retail industry has witnessed remarkable growth over the past decade, but few indigenous brands have expanded as rapidly and strategically as Market Square. From a single vision to a nationwide supermarket network, the company has become one of the country's leading homegrown retail success stories—transforming how millions of Nigerians shop while creating thousands of jobs.
Behind this remarkable journey is Ebele Enunwa, the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Sundry Markets Limited, whose combination of banking expertise, hospitality experience and entrepreneurial vision has helped redefine modern grocery retail in Nigeria.
From Banking Executive to Retail Entrepreneur
Before becoming one of Nigeria's leading retail entrepreneurs, Ebele Enunwa enjoyed a distinguished career in banking. He served as Regional Manager at Stanbic IBTC Bank, where he supervised business operations across Nigeria's South-South and South-East regions.
His years in the financial sector equipped him with strong management skills, strategic planning abilities and a deep understanding of consumer markets—qualities that would later prove invaluable in building successful consumer businesses.
Recognising the enormous opportunities in Nigeria's growing middle class and changing consumer preferences, Enunwa made the bold decision to leave banking and pursue entrepreneurship.
Building the Sundry Empire
In 2005, Enunwa founded Sundry Foods Limited, introducing the now-popular Kilimanjaro Restaurants, which has grown into one of Nigeria's largest quick-service restaurant chains.
But his ambition extended beyond the food service industry.
Seeing the increasing demand for organised grocery shopping, he launched Market Square in 2015 under Sundry Markets Limited, with a clear mission:
To provide Nigerians with quality products, excellent customer service and affordable prices through a modern supermarket experience.
That vision has since evolved into one of Nigeria's biggest indigenous supermarket success stories.
A Homegrown Retail Success Story
In just a decade, Market Square has expanded from a single outlet into more than 40 supermarkets spread across multiple Nigerian states.
Its rapid expansion has positioned it among Nigeria's largest indigenous supermarket chains, competing strongly in a sector once dominated by foreign-owned brands.
The supermarkets offer customers an extensive range of products, including:
Fresh fruits and vegetables
Groceries and packaged foods
Household essentials
Electronics
Cosmetics and personal care products
Bakery items
Frozen foods
Beverages
Local and imported products
Its spacious stores, competitive pricing, efficient checkout systems and emphasis on customer satisfaction have made Market Square a preferred shopping destination for many Nigerian families.
Strengthening Nigeria's Retail Economy
Market Square's success goes beyond supermarket shelves.
The company has become a major contributor to Nigeria's organised retail ecosystem by supporting local manufacturers, farmers and suppliers.
Through increased local sourcing, Sundry Markets helps reduce dependence on imported goods while providing market access for Nigerian producers.
Its expansion has also generated thousands of direct and indirect jobs, including opportunities in:
Retail operations
Logistics
Warehousing
Procurement
Information technology
Marketing
Administration
Supply chain management
This employment impact extends beyond supermarkets, thanks to the wider Sundry Group, which also operates Kilimanjaro Restaurants and other food service businesses.
Innovation Driving Growth
One of Market Square's biggest strengths has been its commitment to retail innovation.
Rather than simply opening stores, the company has focused on improving the shopping experience through:
Modern supermarket layouts
Efficient inventory management
Strong supply chain systems
Competitive pricing
Reliable product availability
Customer-focused service
These operational efficiencies have enabled Market Square to expand steadily while maintaining consistent service quality across its growing network.
A Strong Educational Foundation
Enunwa's business success is underpinned by an impressive academic background.
He earned a Bachelor's degree in Accounting from the University of Ilorin before obtaining a Master's degree in Hospitality Management from Cornell University, one of the world's leading institutions for hospitality and business education.
The combination of accounting, finance and hospitality management has shaped his customer-first approach to business, blending operational discipline with service excellence.
The Future of Indigenous Retail
As Nigeria's population continues to grow and urbanisation accelerates, organised retail is expected to play an even bigger role in the country's economy.
Market Square is well positioned to benefit from this transformation. With continued investments in new store openings, technology, local sourcing and customer experience, the company is strengthening its position as one of Nigeria's foremost indigenous supermarket chains.
At the same time, its growth demonstrates that Nigerian-owned businesses can successfully build large-scale retail enterprises capable of competing with international brands.
A Legacy Built on Vision
Ebele Enunwa's entrepreneurial journey—from banking executive to the founder of Kilimanjaro Restaurants and Market Square—illustrates the power of strategic thinking, disciplined execution and long-term vision.
What began with a restaurant business has grown into a diversified retail and food service enterprise that serves millions of customers, supports local industries and creates thousands of employment opportunities.
As Market Square continues its nationwide expansion, it stands as more than just a supermarket chain—it is a symbol of indigenous innovation, enterprise and the growing strength of Nigerian retail.
Closing Thought
From banking boardrooms to supermarket aisles, Ebele Enunwa has demonstrated that bold vision, disciplined leadership and a commitment to quality can build enduring businesses. Market Square's rise is not just a corporate success story—it is a testament to the potential of Nigerian entrepreneurship to reshape industries and drive economic growth.
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