LAGOS — BUA Foods Plc (NGX: BUAFOODS) has announced a significant addition to its executive suite, appointing Mr. Isyaku Abdulsamad “Khalifa” Rabiu as the Chief Officer, Global Procurement and Strategic Operations, effective January 29, 2026.
The move signals a tactical shift for the food manufacturing giant as it moves from a phase of business consolidation into one of “scaled and disciplined growth.”
As the company navigates a complex global supply chain environment, Khalifa’s role will be central to maintaining the company’s competitive edge in the flour, sugar, pasta, and rice markets.
The Profile: A Catalyst for Operational Excellence
Khalifa Rabiu is not a newcomer to the BUA ecosystem. He transitions into this role from his position as Director for Special Operations at BUA Group, where he built a reputation for driving high-impact transformation initiatives.
Key Career Highlights:
- Supply Chain Architect: Led the strategic procurement of raw materials, specifically wheat, which is a critical input for BUA’s flour and pasta segments.
- Industrial Expansion: Spearheaded the establishment of a 40-metric-tonne-per-hour animal feed mill, diversifying the group’s agricultural footprint.
- Market Re-entry: Played a pivotal role in the commercial reintroduction of BUA Rice products to the Nigerian market.
- Digital Transformation: Championed the rollout of proprietary digital platforms across BUA Foods to enhance real-time operational tracking.
The Mandate: Efficiency and Resilience
As Chief Officer, Khalifa assumes responsibility for the company’s end-to-end global procurement function. His primary objectives include:
- Cost Optimization: Leveraging global supplier partnerships to mitigate the impact of rising raw material costs.
- Supply Chain Resilience: Ensuring a steady flow of inputs despite global logistics disruptions.
- Sustainable Growth: Implementing procurement systems that align with the company’s long-term environmental and social governance (ESG) goals.
Leadership Perspectives
“As BUA Foods enters the next stage of its transformation… we are delighted to welcome Khalifa to our leadership team. His expertise will be vital to further strengthening our supply chain and delivering greater value to our stakeholders.” — Engr. Ayodele Abioye, MD, BUA Foods Plc.
“I am excited to assume this role at such a pivotal time. I look forward to advancing agile, sustainable procurement systems and operational strategies that support the Company’s long-term ambitions.” — Mr. Khalifa Rabiu.
The Change
With academic credentials from Regent’s University London and a Master’s in Management from Georgetown University, Khalifa Rabiu brings a blend of international strategic theory and hands-on local execution to the table.
For investors, this appointment underscores BUA Foods’ commitment to institutionalizing its leadership and ensuring that its massive production capacity is backed by a world-class, resilient supply chain.
As the NGX-listed company continues to be a top performer in the consumer goods sector, this leadership update provides further confidence in its ability to scale operations across the African continent.
