IntercontinentalNewsReservoir: Nigerian Firm, First Class Refreshments Secures Franchise Deal with Saudi Company

By Sani Idris Abdulrahman

Nigeria’s First Class Refreshment Limited has secured franchise rights from Saudi Arabia’s Silk United Company in a landmark agreement to promote Saudi-made products from a Lagos-based office.

In a statement issued to newsmen on Wednesday in Kaduna by Dr. Shuaibu Burji, CEO of First Class Group, he said the move represents a strategic step to expand Nigeria’s role in international trade.

He said the agreement, signed in Riyadh, granted First Class Refreshment franchise rights to operate Silk United’s business model in Nigeria, with Lagos serving as the operational hub for marketing, distribution, and trade facilitation.

Burji explained that under the franchise arrangement, First Class Refreshment would promote and distribute high-quality, non-oil Saudi products in the Nigerian market, while coordinating logistics, customs processes, and market access for businesses and consumers.

He added that the collaboration is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s import-export value chain and improve access to internationally certified products, enhancing trade efficiency and boosting consumer confidence in Saudi-made goods locally.

Burji emphasised that the company’s success aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s vision of achieving a one trillion dollar economy by 2030.

He reiterated that as a certified Authorised Economic Operator (AEO), First Class Refreshment is poised to expand internationally.

He explained that this includes exporting traditional Nigerian snacks to global consumers, fostering bilateral trade links, supporting economic diversification, and positioning Nigeria as a regional trade hub for Africa.

Burji further said the initiative complements Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 agenda, promoting economic diversification and creating a sustainable commercial bridge between Nigeria and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

He added that with the Lagos office set to become operational in the coming months, First Class Refreshment Limited is expected to play a central role in expanding cross-border trade and strengthening economic cooperation.(NAN)