By: Mercy Peter
UK Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mrs Gill Lever, at the weekend launched a British Franchise, Body Shop in Nigeria. The Abuja business is the first of the beauty brand outlet in West Africa.
The Deputy High Commissioner also disclosed that the trade between her country and Nigeria is currently worth £7.8 billion.
She said Nigeria has been identified as a high-growth market.
She therefore said the UK remains Nigeria’s partner in progress.
She said: “And our bilateral trade at the moment with Nigeria is worth about £7.5 billion. It’s growing. And Nigeria is the UK’s second largest trading partner in Africa, after South Africa.
“And the UK is one of the largest foreign investors in Nigeria. And we have investments in energy, finance, and retail. And our Department for Business and Trade has identified Nigeria as a high-growth market, with a young, dynamic population of over 200 million people, and a rapidly expanding business class.
“To the Nigerian people, I say: The UK is committed to being your partner in progress. We believe in your potential, and we are here to support your aspirations.”
The envoy therefore stressed that the Body Shop’s arrival in Nigeria is a testament to the strength of UK-Nigeria trade relations and the immense potential of the Nigerian market.
Lever said: “The Body Shop’s arrival in Nigeria is a testament to the strength of UK-Nigeria trade relations and the immense potential of the Nigerian market. As a brand rooted in ethical values, sustainability, and community empowerment, The Body Shop aligns perfectly with the aspirations of Nigerian consumers who increasingly value quality, authenticity, and responsible business practices.”
She expressed her pleasure to be part of the launch of the Body Shop in Nigeria, saying “This is a momentous occasion, not only for The Body Shop as a pioneering UK brand but also for the growing economic partnership between the United Kingdom and Nigeria.
“This launch is more than just the opening of a store—it is a statement of intent. It represents the power of ethical business, the strength of UK-Nigeria collaboration, and the unwavering commitment to female empowerment.
“The Body Shop’s entry into Nigeria is a clear signal of the confidence UK businesses have in this market. It also reflects the shared commitment of both our nations to fostering sustainable and inclusive economic growth.
“The launch of The Body Shop in Nigeria is a milestone, but it is also a stepping stone toward an even brighter future for UK-Nigeria trade. “
In her remark, the General Manager of Body Shop, Nigeria, Shalom Lloyd said the launch of the Body Shop brand in Nigeria is as a result of the strong determination.
Lloyd who is a Nigerian Diaspora said the business will be supporting cancer screening screening, stressing the importance of early detection.
“The fact that we believe in empowerment and community spirit is really, really important. One of the things that we’ll be supporting is cancer screening through the Body Shop.
“That’s really, really important. Because 95% of cancer patients in Africa is a death sentence only because there’s no early detection. Early detection saves lives. So, we want to be able to actually do a lot of screening to prevent cancer early.
And the Body Shop will be sponsoring that in Nigeria as well.”
On why she chose to invest in Nigeria at this time, Lloyd said “Why now did I choose to invest in Nigeria when they say country no good? Well, why not now? Why do you have to wait until everything is perfect? There’s a saying I believe in. Start by doing what is necessary and then do what is possible. Before you know it, you’ve conquered the impossible.”
The Body Shop sources many of its ingredients through its Community Trade program, which supports over 25,000 people globally, including farmers and artisans in developing countries.
The brand is also committed to fighting climate change, with initiatives to reduce carbon emissions and promote renewable energy.
