Burger King Nigeria has opened its 16th restaurant in just 33 months, marking a significant milestone in its expansion efforts. The new location is situated at the Muritala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two (MMA2) in Ikeja, Lagos. This launch highlights Burger King’s commitment to providing quality and affordable food to Nigerians.
Rushdi Ibrahim, managing director and CEO of Allied Foods and Confectionery Services Limited, which operates Burger King in Nigeria, expressed pride in the rapid growth of the brand. “We’ve opened 16 restaurants in just 33 months – that’s one restaurant every two months,” he said. “This pace shows our team’s dedication and the Nigerian market’s positive response to our brand.”
Ibrahim noted that the decision to open at MMA2 was strategic, emphasizing Nigeria’s vast opportunities. “We wanted to bring Burger King’s exceptional dining experience to this hub, catering to the diverse tastes of its many passengers,” he added.
Burger King aims to adapt to local preferences while maintaining its brand identity. “While we innovate, we remain true to our brand essence as the Home of The Whopper. Our customers trust us to deliver high-quality, flavorful food, and we will continue to meet those expectations,” Ibrahim stated.
Looking ahead, Ibrahim mentioned that the company prioritizes customer convenience and will not compromise on quality.
“We aim to be where our customers want us, whether in bustling cities or strategic transportation hubs.”
The chain has also introduced menu items tailored to Nigerian tastes, such as yam fries, plantain, and potato cubes.
Additionally, Burger King emphasizes affordability and convenience, with easy ordering options available through kiosks.
Adewale Temitope, a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, highlighted the state’s support for businesses like Burger King. “The presence of Burger King in our airport is a pioneering achievement in any Nigerian airport, showcasing Lagos State’s commitment to creating a conducive environment for businesses to thrive,” he said.
Temitope also noted Lagos’s cosmopolitan nature, which makes it an attractive hub for trade and commerce. “As lawmakers, we are focused on creating a legal framework that encourages business growth and development,” he added.
Aniekan Essienette, group manager of marketing and communication at Ibom Air, discussed the strategic partnership between Ibom Air and Burger King. “We received many partnership requests, but Burger King’s proposal stood out. We saw immense value in their brand and wanted to associate with them,” she explained.
This collaboration allows both brands to leverage each other’s platforms for marketing activations, enhancing their visibility in the Nigerian market. Essienette praised Burger King’s marketing team for their swift execution of the partnership, which was finalized in just 14 days.
“Burger King is an exceptional brand, and we’re thrilled to be associated with them. We look forward to a successful collaboration,” she said. She encouraged Ibom Air passengers to enjoy Burger King’s menu and visit their lounge at MMA2, where samples of Burger King’s offerings are available on select flights.
This initiative allows passengers to experience Burger King’s food while enjoying Ibom Air’s hospitality.