The world’s most valuable company Apple, has announced a new plan to make its hot-selling products officially available in Nigeria through official Apple channels, according to reports.

Nigerian daily, BusinessDay, revealed new retailers have been authorised by the tech giant to expand its presence and increase sales in the Nigerian market. The new Apple channels, which include iConnect and Superior Equipment, are based in Lagos while Cross Energy and iMEED Store, operate in the federal capital, Abuja.

Mr. Rutger-Jan Van Spaandonk, Executive Director for Core Group Africa, Apple’s Value Added Distributor (VAO) which officially launched the iPad in Nigeria, said: “It is in the best interest of Nigerian consumers to buy from the official distribution channel so that they can take advantage also of the 2 year warranty. This is the first time a two year warranty is being given to buyers in Nigeria by Apple at no extra cost whatsoever.”

The growing importance of Nigeria’s tech savvy middle class and the need to give local consumers better consumer experience has attracted Apple’s new move (and other major consumer electronic brands) to the highly promising market.

In September, Canadian manufacturer Research In Motion (RIM) officially opened its store in the Nigerian market where it has sold over 2 million units of its Blackberry smartphone.