List Of Supermarkets And Shopping Malls In Akwa Ibom State

Akwa Ibom State, located in Nigeria’s oil-rich South-South geopolitical zone, is widely recognized for its stunning infrastructure, tourism potential, and rapid urban development. As the capital city Uyo continues to grow into a cosmopolitan hub, the retail landscape of the state has equally expanded. From standalone supermarkets to modern shopping malls, Akwa Ibom now offers a variety of options to suit different shopping needs and lifestyles.

This comprehensive blog post explores over 150 supermarkets and key shopping malls in the state, with a spotlight on major cities such as Uyo, Eket, Itu, and Ikot Ekpene.

🛒 Supermarkets in Akwa Ibom State

The state is currently home to over 145 registered supermarkets (as of late 2024), with a majority concentrated in urban centers. These establishments offer a range of products from groceries and household goods to fashion, electronics, and cosmetics.

🏙️ Uyo – The Retail Powerhouse

Uyo, the capital city of Akwa Ibom, leads the retail space with over 91 supermarkets, accounting for about 63% of the total. The city is also home to some of the state’s most modern retail infrastructure.

1. Flagship Supermarket

• 📍 Location: 6 Ebet Aya Street, Uyo

• 🕒 Hours: 7:30 AM – 8:00 PM (Sunday to Friday), 10:00 AM on Saturdays

• ✅ Services: In-store shopping, same-day delivery

• 💡 Known for high-quality groceries and friendly customer service

2. Unity Supermarket

• 📍 Location: Itam Main Park Road

• 🕒 Hours: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM daily

• ✅ Features: Clean environment, wide product range, centrally located

3. Splendour Supermarket

• 📍 Location: 143 Oron Road, Uyo

• 🕒 Hours: 8:00 AM – 7:30 PM daily

• ✅ Popular with working-class shoppers for its reliability and affordability

4. Metropolitan Super Market

• 📍 Location: 78 Oron Road

• 🕒 Hours: 8:00 AM – 6:30 PM (Monday–Saturday)

• ✅ Offers: Departmental items including electronics, perfumes, home decor

5. NDY Supermarket

• 📍 Location: Aka–Itiam Road

• 🕒 Hours: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM

• ✅ Well-stocked and family-friendly

🏘️ Supermarkets in Other Major Cities

🌆 Eket

Eket, known for its oil and gas activities, is witnessing steady retail growth with 14 established supermarkets.

• Many are clustered around Marina Road and Afaha Eket

• Key players include convenience stores and new retail chains

🌆 Itu

Itu also hosts around 14 supermarkets. While not as developed as Uyo, the town is gradually growing in its commercial appeal, especially along Uyo–Itu Road and surrounding communities.

🌆 Ikot Ekpene

With five supermarkets serving a population of over 250,000, Ikot Ekpene is still retail-light but culturally rich.

• Focus is more on traditional markets and mini-marts

• Local investments are expanding modern grocery offerings

🏬 Shopping Malls in Akwa Ibom State

While supermarkets serve everyday needs, shopping malls in Akwa Ibom offer a more robust shopping, dining, and entertainment experience.

1. 🏢 Ibom Tropicana Entertainment Centre

• 📍 Location: Udo Udoma Avenue, Uyo

• 🏗️ Components:

  • Silverbird Cinemas (operational)

  • Retail shopping mall (operational)

  • Five-star hotel (under construction)

  • Theme park (ongoing development)

• ✅ Highlights: One-stop destination for leisure and shopping

Ibom Tropicana has become an icon of Akwa Ibom’s modernization efforts. Even though parts of the complex remain incomplete, the shopping mall and cinema have significantly boosted tourism and weekend activity in the capital.

2. 🏢 De Choice Mall

• 📍 Location: 5/7 Ikot Ekpene Road by Ibom Plaza

• 🏢 Features:

  • Grocery stores, fashion boutiques, home appliances

  • Pharmacy, restaurants, and eateries

• 🛒 Popular with families, professionals, and tourists alike

De Choice Mall is praised for its central location and wide product offerings. With everything from electronics to baby products under one roof, it has grown to become a major retail destination.

3. 🏢 City Centre Mall

• 📍 Location: NEPA Line, Uyo

• 🏢 Description: Compact and well-organized

• 🚗 Benefits: Easy parking, accessible by major roads

• 💡 Products: Household goods, fashion accessories, kitchenware

City Centre caters to mid-level spenders and is especially popular with young professionals in Uyo.

🛍️ Notable Independent Retailers & Superstores

These supermarkets are scattered across Akwa Ibom and are either branches of nationwide chains or locally-run giants.

• Shoprite (The Palms) – Known nationwide, Shoprite offers consistent quality, clean shopping environments, and bulk-buy options.

• Twins Faja Supermarket – One of the largest indigenous supermarkets with several branches around Uyo and nearby towns.

• Ronken Supermarket – Focuses on general household items and bulk goods.

• BeachTown Shopping Center – Located closer to water-front areas, this shopping center specializes in electronics and home deliveries.

• Super Saver Mart – Ideal for budget-conscious consumers looking for deals on groceries and personal items.

🌐 Digital Trends and Online Shopping Presence

Despite the growth in retail spaces, the digital footprint of most supermarkets in Akwa Ibom is still very limited:

• Only 11 supermarkets have functioning websites

• Only a few maintain active social media pages (1 each on Facebook, Instagram, and X)

• Online delivery services are still in their infancy, though some like Flagship Supermarket offer same-day delivery

💡 Opportunity: This gap in digital adoption is a prime opportunity for tech-savvy entrepreneurs and retail chains to build e-commerce platforms that cater to Akwa Ibom residents.

💬 What Locals and Visitors Say

Customer feedback across various retail platforms reveals some consistent themes:

✅ Positive

• Clean and well-organized spaces

• Friendly customer service

• Availability of international and local goods

❌ Negative

• Limited parking in some older retail centers

• Price fluctuations tied to supply-chain issues

• Lack of loyalty programs or mobile apps

Summary Table: Supermarkets and Shopping Malls in Akwa Ibom

Final Thoughts

Akwa Ibom State’s retail sector is on an upward trajectory, fueled by urban expansion, increased consumer spending, and infrastructural development. While Uyo remains the central hub for supermarkets and malls, other towns like Eket, Itu, and Ikot Ekpene are gradually catching up.

With more investment in digital solutions and logistics, the state could easily transition into one of Nigeria’s top retail destinations outside Lagos and Abuja.

Whether you're a resident, new settler, tourist, or investor, Akwa Ibom’s shopping landscape offers variety, convenience, and potential.

Pro Tip for Shoppers
Try visiting major supermarkets and malls on weekday mornings to avoid crowds. And if you're looking to support local entrepreneurs, explore the mini-marts and corner stores in Ewet Housing Estate, Ikot Ekpene Road, and Nwaniba.