Digital Transformation in Nigerian Retail: An Analysis of Emerging Trends and Gendered Leadership Implications (2025-2026)

This original research investigates the gendered implications of digital transformation for leadership within Nigeria’s retail sector. It addresses the critical problem of whether the rapid adoption of e-commerce, data analytics, and omnichannel strategies reinforces or dismantles existing gender disparities. Employing a rigorous mixed-methods approach, the study analyses quantitative survey data from 150 retail firms across Lagos, Abuja, and Kano, triangulated with qualitative insights from 25 in-depth interviews with senior managers and business owners. The findings reveal a dualistic trend: while digitalisation creates new entrepreneurial avenues for women, particularly in social commerce, a pronounced gender leadership gap persists in formal corporate settings. Women remain markedly underrepresented in strategic roles overseeing digital initiatives, such as Chief Technology or Digital Officer positions. The study concludes that, without targeted intervention, this digital transition risks cementing a masculine leadership paradigm in a vital economic sector. Its significance lies in providing timely, evidence-based analysis for policymakers and corporate boards, underscoring the imperative to integrate gender equity into digital strategy from the outset. This is essential for fostering inclusive economic growth and harnessing the full potential of Nigeria’s retail transformation.