Twitter was filled with mixed reactions and debate after news broke on Monday that South Africa retail giant, Shoprite plans to leave Nigeria

Earlier, Channels Television reported that the company, which is one of Africa’s largest supermarket chains, had begun a formal process to exit – 15 years after it began operations in the country.

Shoprite explained in a trading update it published earlier that he took the decision following approaches from various potential investors.

It stressed that this was in line with its re-evaluation of the Group’s operating model in Nigeria, saying its business in the country “may be classified as a discontinued operation” when it reports results for the year.

According to the latest update, Shoprite’s Nigerian business posted a -6.3% decline in sales for the year ending June 2020.

The announcement to exit the countries comes about two months after another South African retailer, Mr Price, said it would close its Nigerian business.

However, the news of Shoprite’s exit has sparked various reactions from Twitter users, including Senator Shehu Sani who represented Kaduna Central senatorial district in the 8th National Assembly.

While some Twitter users debated whether the government should be blamed for the decision taken by the South African firm, others gave hilarious reactions.

See some of the tweets below:

If Shoprite wants to stay,they can stay;if they want to go,they can go;it will help local supermarkets to grow.

— Senator Shehu Sani (@ShehuSani) August 3, 2020

This shoprite news is sad sad.

— Big M. (@mmiide) August 3, 2020

This is Nigeria, we'll adapt to any situation. ShopRite can go and we'll still be fine.

— SportsDeeva (@Blesing_Andrew) August 3, 2020

Chaii if ShopRite should go now.where will my Sango people be snapping 😔😏 #shoprite #kiddrica #MondayMotivaton

— 🎟️ (@badmanfawaZ) August 3, 2020

.