Miniso Nigeria is  about to open outlets across six shopping malls in Lagos – and will also launch a retail university.

It is part of a deal in which Chinese discount retailer supports the Nigerian government’s foreign direct investment (FDI) initiative.

Miniso’s grand opening on September 10 will be marked with simultaneous ceremonies at its outlets at three shopping centres – Ikeja City mall, Circle Mall and Novare Mall.

This will be followed on September 29 with the opening of Miniso stores at Palms Mall, Festival Mall and Maryland Mall.

Miniso country manager Chris Lee says the stores will offer more than 10,000 SKUs.  

The brand’s arrival will increase Nigeria’s employment rate as it has a strategic plan to have about 500 stores across nation by 2019. It is committed to employing about 30,000 Nigerians, which would ease the current unemployment rate by at least 0.99 per cent.

Miniso is also committed over time to procuring most of its raw materials locally.

Meanwhile, its university will aim to educate Nigerians about retail practices, and set them up for a career in the sector.