BUA Foods Plc has appointed Isyaku Abdulsamad “Khalifa” Rabiu as chief officer for global procurement and strategic operations, effective January 29, 2026, as the Nigerian food manufacturer deepens its focus on disciplined growth, cost control, and supply chain resilience.
The company said the appointment comes at a pivotal stage in its long-term business plan, as it moves from a period of consolidation toward scaled expansion across its core product lines. BUA Foods produces sugar, flour, semolina, pasta, rice, and edible oils, and is one of the largest food manufacturers listed on the Nigerian Exchange.
In his new role, Mr Rabiu will oversee the company’s end-to-end global procurement activities while leading strategic operational initiatives aimed at improving efficiency, optimising costs, strengthening supplier relationships, and supporting sustainable growth. The remit covers procurement strategy, supply chain management, and cross-functional operational execution across BUA Foods’ manufacturing footprint.
BUA Foods said the role is central to its efforts to manage input costs and mitigate supply disruptions in an environment marked by currency volatility, rising logistics costs, and global commodity price uncertainty. Wheat, sugar, and other key raw materials account for a significant share of input costs for Nigerian food processors, many of whom rely on imports.
Mr Rabiu brings experience across procurement, supply chain management, and strategic operations in the food, cement, and animal feed sectors. Before joining BUA Foods’ executive leadership, he served as director for special operations at BUA Group, the diversified industrial conglomerate controlled by billionaire businessman Abdul Samad Rabiu.
At BUA Group, he led several transformation initiatives, according to the company, including efforts to strengthen supplier partnerships and improve operational performance across business units. He played a key role in strategic raw-material procurement, particularly wheat sourcing, an area that has become increasingly critical for Nigerian millers amid global supply shocks and foreign exchange constraints.
He also led the establishment of a 40-metric-tonne-per-hour animal feed mill and was involved in the commercial reintroduction of BUA-branded rice products into the Nigerian market. In addition, he championed the rollout of proprietary digital platforms across BUA Foods, aimed at improving visibility, control, and decision-making within procurement and operations.
Commenting on the appointment, Ayodele Abioye, managing director of BUA Foods Plc, said the company was entering a new phase of its development.
“As BUA Foods enters the next stage of its transformation, marking a shift from business consolidation to scaled and more disciplined growth, we are delighted to welcome Khalifa to our leadership team,” Mr Abioye said. “His expertise in global procurement and strategic operations will be vital to further strengthening our supply chain, enhancing operational efficiency, and delivering greater value to our customers and stakeholders.”
Mr Rabiu said he was taking on the role at a critical moment for the company and the wider food manufacturing sector.
“I am excited to assume this role at such a pivotal time in BUA Foods’ growth journey,” he said. “I look forward to advancing agile, sustainable procurement systems and operational strategies that support the company’s long-term ambitions.”
He holds a bachelor’s degree in international relations from Regent’s University London and a master’s degree in management from Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business.
BUA Foods said the appointment underscores its commitment to operational excellence, governance, and leadership development as it scales its operations. The company has expanded capacity across several product lines in recent years, supported by investments in manufacturing plants and logistics infrastructure.
Listed on the Nigerian Exchange under the ticker BUAFOODS, the company has positioned itself as a key player in Nigeria’s food security drive, with production facilities strategically located to serve major consumption centres. It said it remains focused on quality, safety, efficiency, and sustainable expansion, even as it navigates macroeconomic pressures facing manufacturers in Africa’s largest economy.
The leadership change signals a continued emphasis on tighter procurement discipline and operational execution as BUA Foods seeks to protect margins and support growth in a challenging operating environment.