By Agrobroadcast Team
The board of A.R.N. Foods Limited, a key operator in Nigeria’s food and commodities value chain, has named Chinedu Okere as the company’s new managing director.
In a statement released on Friday, the company described the appointment as a significant step in its growth trajectory, reflecting its focus on strong corporate leadership, operational efficiency and sustainable value creation.
Chairman of the board, Rilwan Adetola Nola, said Okere brings a wealth of experience and strategic insight needed to steer the company into its next phase of development. He noted that the new managing director’s background in business strategy, stakeholder engagement and growth management makes him well suited for the role.
According to Nola, Okere’s leadership style and clear vision reinforce the board’s confidence in purposeful leadership as a catalyst for long-term success at A.R.N. Foods.
In his new position, Okere will be responsible for shaping the company’s strategic direction, overseeing day-to-day operations and strengthening partnerships across the value chain. His mandate includes expanding impact from sourcing and production to distribution and market penetration, while also reinforcing internal systems, team development, accountability and performance excellence.
Reacting to his appointment, Okere said he was pleased to assume leadership at a critical time in the company’s evolution.
He described A.R.N. Foods as an organisation built on strong values, collaboration and ambition, adding that he looks forward to working with the team to consolidate existing gains and drive future growth through innovation, discipline and deliberate expansion.
Okere is an experienced business executive with a strong background in manufacturing, agriculture and agro-processing. Before joining A.R.N. Foods, he served as managing director of Coscharis Farms Limited, a subsidiary of the Coscharis Group, where he led operations spanning primary agriculture, food processing and bulk grain storage.
He also previously worked as chief executive officer of Niyya Food & Drinks Company Limited, overseeing plantation agriculture as well as juice and dairy processing operations. Earlier in his career, he held several roles at Heineken Nigeria, rising to the position of national planning manager.
An accounting graduate, Okere holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting and is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN).
His professional development includes executive programmes at Lagos Business School, leadership training in Amsterdam, and management development courses with Heineken International. He is also a member of the Rice Processors Association of Nigeria (RIPAN), Rice Millers Association of Nigeria (RIMAN) and Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria (RIFAN).
Since inception, A.R.N. Foods has built a reputation for innovation, strategic partnerships and a people-centred culture focused on collaboration and impact.
The company is finalising an ultra-modern rice mill in Epe, Lagos, situated on a 2,000-square-metre site and scheduled to begin operations in the first quarter of 2026. With an installed capacity of 3,000 bags daily, the facility is expected to support national food security objectives while aligning with the Federal Government’s sustainability agenda.
The mill is equipped with advanced technology aimed at reducing waste, improving processing efficiency, ensuring product quality and minimising environmental impact.
In November 2025, A.R.N. Foods also redeemed early its ₦3.8 billion Series 1 Commercial Paper under its ₦5 billion Commercial Paper Programme, fully settling the obligation ahead of its November 10, 2025 maturity date. The company said the move reflects its strong liquidity position and prudent financial management.
A.R.N. Foods’ product range includes rice, sorghum, soybean and maize, sourced through collaborations with more than nine trusted suppliers to meet the quality expectations of Nigerian consumers and the evolving demands of the market.