BUA Foods appoints Khalifa Rabiu as chief officer for global procurement operations
The appointment places Khalifa at the center of efforts to optimize procurement, strengthen supply chains and drive cost efficiencies across one of Nigeria‘s largest listed companies.
NIGERIA – BUA Foods Plc, the food and consumer goods powerhouse of the BUA Group and Nigeria’s most valuable listed company at US$10.6 billion, has elevated Isyaku Abdulsamad “Khalifa” Rabiu, son of billionaire founder Abdul Samad Rabiu, to Chief Officer, Global Procurement and Strategic Operations, effective January 29, 2026.
This high-profile appointment comes amid stellar financial performance, with the company nearly doubling profits to N507.7 billion (US$366.6 million) in 2025, fueled by robust sales in sugar, pasta, rice, and fortified staples that dominate Nigerian households.
Khalifa steps into the role with a proven track record across BUA’s food, cement, and animal feed divisions.
Previously Director for Special Operations at BUA Group, he spearheaded transformation projects, including strategic wheat sourcing, the launch of a 40-metric-tonne-per-hour animal feed mill, and the commercial revival of BUA rice products.
His leadership also drove the development of proprietary digital platforms across BUA Foods, enhancing efficiency in a sector strained by reliance on imports and naira volatility.
Now overseeing end-to-end global procurement, Khalifa will optimize costs, fortify supply chains, and champion sustainable growth, critical as Nigeria grapples with food inflation exceeding 30% and climate-impacted agriculture.
BUA Foods Managing Director Engr. Ayodele Abioye hailed the move as pivotal for the company’s shift from consolidation to disciplined expansion.
“Khalifa’s expertise will strengthen our supply chain, boost operational efficiency, and deliver value to stakeholders,” Abioye stated, underscoring governance and resilience in Africa’s largest economy.
Khalifa echoed this, expressing excitement about advancing agile procurement systems that support BUA’s ambitions in a market where staples like rice and flour anchor daily meals for millions.
The appointment signals family-led continuity at BUA, mirroring trends among Africa’s agribusiness titans investing in next-gen leadership amid booming demand.
With Nigeria’s population surpassing 230 million and urbanization accelerating, BUA Foods, producing brands like Elephant Pasta and Dangote Sugar rivals, eyes export growth and backward integration, from rice milling to flour fortification.
Additionally, this appointment underscores BUA Food’s commitment to operational excellence, strong governance, and strategic investment in leadership capabilities to support its growth in the food manufacturing sector.
This strategic pivot positions BUA for sustained dominance in West Africa’s US$50 billion food sector.
Sign up to HERE receive our email newsletters with the latest news and insights from Africa and around the world, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.
