The Body Shop, a popular British brand for cosmetics, skincare, and perfumes, has opened its first store in West Africa. The grand opening took place on Saturday at Jabi Mall in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.
British Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, Gill Lever, inaugurated the store. Lever called the launch a significant event that reflects the growing trade relationship between the United Kingdom and Nigeria. “It is an absolute pleasure to celebrate the launch of The Body Shop in Nigeria. This is a great example of UK-Nigeria collaboration and ethical business,” she said.
Promoting Ethical Values and Sustainability
The Body Shop is a globally recognized British cosmetics and skincare brand founded in 1976 by Anita Roddick in Brighton, England. The company has always been committed to creating high-quality beauty products. The brand focuses on using natural ingredients, many of which are sourced through its Community Trade program.
This initiative supports over 25,000 people worldwide, including farmers and artisans in developing countries, by offering fair wages and working conditions. The Body Shop is also passionate about environmental protection, actively promoting cruelty-free beauty, reducing waste, and using renewable energy.
Lever praised The Body Shop for being more than a beauty brand. “The Body Shop is a movement. It promotes ethical consumerism, fair trade, and environmental sustainability,” she noted.
She also added that the Nigerian market is important to the UK. “In 2023, UK-Nigeria trade totaled £7.8 billion, up from £6.9 billion in 2022. Nigeria is the UK’s second-largest trading partner in Africa,” she said.
Lever added that The Body Shop’s entry shows the confidence UK businesses have in Nigeria’s potential.
The Body Shop Nigeria is led by British-Nigerians Edward Nnadi (CEO) and Shalom Lloyd (MD). Their work goes beyond beauty products. They have organized free cervical cancer screenings across Nigeria and supported women in the shea industry with fair wages and ethical practices.
A New Era for UK-Nigeria Partnership
The Body Shop’s arrival in Nigeria is a step forward in UK-Nigeria relations. Lever expressed optimism about the future, saying, “Together, we can build a trade relationship that is prosperous, sustainable, and inclusive.”
The company promised to uplift communities and transform lives while delivering high-quality products. The brand’s launch aligns with both nations’ shared commitment to ethical business and social impact.
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