The appointment, effective January 29, 2026, positions Rabiu to lead the company’s end-to-end global procurement operations while spearheading initiatives to improve efficiency, reduce costs and enhance supply-chain resilience across its food business.
The move comes as BUA Foods shifts from a phase of consolidation to what it describes as a more disciplined, scaled expansion across core segments including flour, pasta, rice and animal feed.
Rabiu joins from the BUA Group, where he served as Director for Special Operations and led transformation initiatives across the group’s food, cement and feed businesses. His work included strengthening supplier partnerships, driving procurement efficiencies and improving operational performance.
BUA Foods highlighted Rabiu’s role in strategic raw-material sourcing—especially wheat procurement—and noted his involvement in establishing a 40-metric-tonne-per-hour animal feed mill. He also contributed to the commercial reintroduction of BUA rice products into Nigeria’s consumer market and oversaw the rollout of proprietary digital platforms across the company’s operations.
In welcoming Rabiu, Ayodele Abioye, Managing Director of BUA Foods, said the appointment aligns with the company’s evolving growth strategy.
“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,” Abioye said. “His expertise in global procurement and strategic operations will be vital to strengthening our supply chain and enhancing operational efficiency.”
Supply-chain management has become increasingly critical for Nigerian food manufacturers, which have grappled with volatile foreign-exchange markets, rising input costs and logistical bottlenecks over the past two years. Many companies have moved to secure raw-material supply and optimise procurement structures to protect margins and stabilise production.
Rabiu said he plans to introduce more agile and sustainable procurement systems to support BUA Foods’ long-term ambitions.
“I am excited to assume this role at such a pivotal time in BUA Foods’ growth journey,” he said. “I look forward to driving procurement and operational strategies that support the company’s long-term objectives.”
Rabiu 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, controlled by billionaire Abdul Samad Rabiu, has expanded rapidly in recent years through backward integration and capacity expansion to reduce import dependence and improve cost control. The latest appointment signals a renewed focus on execution and governance as the company positions itself for the next phase of growth.