The history of food retail in Nigeria is deeply intertwined with the development of its open-air market system. For centuries, these markets have been the primary platform for the exchange of goods, including agricultural produce, livestock, and processed food products. Their structure, organization, and impact on the socio-economic life of Nigerians provide an interesting case study for understanding the evolution of food retail in the country.

Pre-Colonial Foundations: Traditional Market Systems as Cultural Institutions

Long before Nigeria’s encounter with Western civilization, traditional markets served as the focal point for food retail and were closely tied to indigenous social and cultural practices. The Igbo people, for instance, developed a four-day market cycle system based on their unique calendar known as Ọ̀gụ́àfọ̀ Ị̀gbò. This calendar, which comprises thirteen months with seven weeks in each month and four days in each week, emphasizes the importance of commerce in the Igbo worldview. The four market days — Eke, Orie, Afọ, and Nkwọ — not only dictated the rhythm of trade but also structured the food retail system across Igboland [Onwuejeogwu, 1981].

In the Igbo traditional market system, each community had a designated market day, ensuring that markets were distributed evenly throughout the week. This allowed traders and buyers to plan their activities effectively, ensuring food availability and enabling inter-community trade. According to Igbo mythology, these market days were instituted to promote harmony and economic prosperity among neighboring communities.

Similarly, the Yoruba people structured their markets around key locations such as the king’s palace, where they served both economic and social functions. The Yoruba market organization was highly regulated, with the Iyaloja or Baba Oja (Mother or Father of the Market) overseeing trading activities and ensuring compliance with traditional and spiritual norms. The link between trade and spirituality is also evident in the rituals and ceremonies performed to ensure market prosperity. This cultural framework influenced the way food was retailed, as specific market days were designated for selling different types of produce, thus avoiding conflict and promoting efficient food distribution.

Colonial Era Influences: Changes in Food Retail Structure (1800–1960)

The introduction of British colonial rule in the early 19th century marked a significant turning point in Nigeria’s food retail system. The British colonial administration sought to formalize and centralize trade, including food retail. This was done through the imposition of new regulatory frameworks such as taxation and the introduction of new trading practices. The colonial administration also established infrastructure that facilitated the movement of goods, including foodstuffs, from rural areas to urban centers.

Colonial rule also led to the emergence of urban markets as major food retail centers. With improved transportation systems, particularly the development of railways and roads, agricultural produce from the hinterlands could be transported to burgeoning urban centers like Lagos, Ibadan, and Kano, leading to the rise of markets such as the Onitsha Main Market and the Kano Kurmi Market. This integration not only expanded the scope of food retail but also introduced new dynamics such as the competition between local and imported food items.

Post-Independence Growth and Modernization (1960–1990)

After Nigeria gained independence in 1960, the food retail landscape continued to grow, spurred by population growth, urbanization, and economic development. The oil boom of the 1970s increased the purchasing power of many Nigerians, leading to greater demand for both local and imported food products. This demand prompted the expansion of existing markets and the establishment of new ones to accommodate a wider variety of food items.

The period also saw the proliferation of roadside stalls, small grocery shops, and wholesale food markets. While the open-air market system remained dominant, new forms of food retail began to emerge. The distinction between formal and informal retail channels became more pronounced as supermarkets and grocery stores began to appear in cities. However, open-air markets retained their relevance, particularly for fresh produce, due to their affordability and accessibility.

Globalization and Technological Shifts: The Modern Food Retail Era (1990-Present)

The advent of globalization and the rapid adoption of technology in the late 20th and early 21st centuries have significantly influenced Nigeria’s food retail landscape. Globalization introduced a new wave of imported food products, altering consumer preferences and introducing new competition for traditional markets. Supermarkets and shopping malls began to emerge in Nigeria’s urban centers, offering a wider variety of packaged and processed foods.

The introduction of e-commerce and digital marketplaces has also begun to transform food retail. While traditional open-air markets are still popular for their fresh produce, technology has enabled new forms of food retail such as online grocery shopping and food delivery services. Platforms like Jumia Food and online grocery stores have started to gain traction, particularly among younger, tech-savvy consumers.

However, the traditional open-air market system remains resilient, adapting to modern trends. Many traders in these markets now use mobile phones to communicate with customers and suppliers, and some have even begun to establish online presences to reach a broader audience. This blending of traditional and modern retail methods illustrates the adaptability of the open-air market system.

The Impact of External Systems on Food Retail

While the open-air market system has been the primary means of food retail in Nigeria, other systems have also played a role in shaping the industry. The rise of supermarket chains, such as Shoprite and Spar, introduced Western-style food retailing with standardized pricing and a focus on convenience. These supermarkets offered a modern shopping experience with greater emphasis on hygiene and packaging.

Government interventions have also influenced food retail. For instance, market reforms and the establishment of new markets in urban centers aimed to address challenges like congestion and sanitation. These reforms included the creation of designated wholesale markets for bulk food items and specialized markets for specific food categories, such as the Mile 12 Market in Lagos, which focuses on wholesale fresh produce.

Conclusion

The evolution of food retail in Nigeria, as illustrated by the open-air market system, highlights the resilience and adaptability of traditional markets in the face of changing economic, social, and technological landscapes. From the structured four-day market cycle of the Igbo people to the sophisticated market systems of the Yoruba, these markets have maintained their relevance for centuries.

Even as modern retail formats emerge, the open-air market continues to serve as a vital component of Nigeria’s food retail system, providing affordable and accessible food options to millions of people. This enduring legacy underscores the importance of understanding and preserving these markets as part of Nigeria’s cultural heritage and economic development.

References

• Onwuejeogwu, M.A. (1981). An Igbo Civilization: Nri Kingdom and Hegemony. London: Ethnographica.
• Additional excerpts from online resources detailing the Yoruba cultural approach to market organization and food retail practices.