Apple over the weekend announced its official entry into the Nigerian market, reported Businessday Nigeria this morning.
According to the report from Businessday Nigeria, Apple has appointed four authorised resellers in Nigeria, they are: iConnect [Lagos], Meed Networks [Abuja], Orchard [Lagos] and Cross-Energy Supply [Abuja]. That means we have two in Lagos and two in Abuja. This deal was made possible through Core Group Africa, Apple Authorised Resellers in Africa. 
“Apple’s category defining mobile device, the new iPad, has revolutionised the mobile computing industry and delivers the most amazing experience people have ever had with technology. We are thrilled to make this unbelievable product available to Nigerians”, said Rutger-Jan van Spaandonk, executive director of Core Group Africa. Core Group Africa has appointed Apple Authorised Resellers to ensure the product is available through official channel partners.
Apple has been leaving Nigeria out of the equation for so long. many of us using Apple products seemingly get them unofficially. Although in recent times, it has been possible to buy applications and use some services from the App Store on iOS devices, there are still some services that are still locked away from Nigerians. Hopefully this official entry into the Nigerian market is going to turn things around.
For instance, you cannot use the iMessage. When you try to register and you get to the point where you have to include your country, Nigeria is missing from the list. With that exclusion, it is impossible to use iMessage from Nigeria.
The full list of the official resellers in Nigeria is on www.isocietynigeria.com and the list will be updated as new resellers added to the list of where you can buy Apple products officially from Nigeria.
They are not going to stop there. They are going to take it a step further in partnering with the telecos to move more device to consumers.
One benefit that has been clearly stated is that any Apple products that is purchased from authorised channels is going to enjoy two years Warranty. Now that’s brilliant. I remember Samsung recently launched two years warranty to the Nigerian market and claim to be the first. Apple has taken the battle with Samsung down to Nigeria now. Samsung is going to have to sit tight, Blackberry would have to buckle its shoes and Nokia should watch its back too. Imagine what could result when Nigerians start getting the same world class service that Apple gives to other Apple consumers globally.
The mobile space is heating up and getting more interesting.
Looking forward to explore the Apple Phone I am having with me further as see how Apple is going to deliver to the Nigerian market.
Hat Tip to Emma Edeh for the Tip. Got any tip? Send it to nubikayode AT bits DOT com
