BUA Foods Plc has confirmed a key change to its executive leadership as part of a broader strategy to strengthen operational execution and procurement oversight. The company announced the appointment of Mr. Isyaku Abdulsamad Khalifa Rabiu as Chief Officer, Global Procurement and Strategic Operations, effective January 29, 2026. This appointment positions the organisation to sharpen its internal processes and enhance supply chain performance at a time when the company is focused on long-term growth and disciplined expansion.
Mr. Khalifa Rabiu’s role is to lead and integrate procurement and strategic operational activities across BUA Foods’ key business units. He will be responsible for global sourcing, cost management, supplier partnerships and operational initiatives designed to improve efficiency and resilience in the company’s supply chain. His mandate is to combine strategic direction with tactical execution in support of BUA Foods’ broader commercial objectives.
Before this appointment, Khalifa held significant leadership responsibilities within the broader BUA Group. His experience includes directing special operations, leading transformation projects, and overseeing strategic raw-material procurement. At BUA Group, he led major supply initiatives, including expanding BUA’s animal feed capacity with a 40 metric-tonne-per-hour mill, relaunching BUA rice products, and advancing digital platforms that support operational efficiency. These initiatives reflect a professional background rooted in supply chain optimisation and value creation.
In his remarks, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Engr. Ayodele Abioye underscored the strategic intent behind the appointment. He said the company is entering a phase beyond consolidation, marked by disciplined growth and an increased focus on operational strength. “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. 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.”
Khalifa Rabiu also commented on the opportunity, framing his appointment as timely in the context of the company’s trajectory. “I am excited to assume this role at such a pivotal time in BUA Foods’ growth journey. I look forward to advancing agile, sustainable procurement systems and operational strategies that support the Company’s long-term ambitions.”
Strategically, this leadership appointment aligns with BUA Foods’ efforts to bolster its competitive stance across the food manufacturing landscape. The company operates in a sector marked by supply volatility, input cost pressures and the need for efficient logistics. By elevating a leader with a proven track record in procurement and operational transformation, BUA Foods signals an intent to enhance control over these critical areas.
The appointment also underscores BUA Foods’ commitment to reinforcing governance and leadership capability. By allocating executive authority to a specialist with both internal experience and external exposure, the board aims to create clear accountability for global procurement and operations. This move reflects a strategic prioritisation of capability over routine management and highlights the company’s focus on sustainable performance.
BUA Foods is a leading food manufacturer in Nigeria, producing staple products such as sugar, flour, semolina, pasta, rice, and edible oils. The company’s operations span strategic locations, and its leadership changes are closely watched by industry analysts given its role in the broader consumer goods sector.
