The Board of Directors of ARN Foods Limited, a leading player in Nigeria’s food and commodity value chain, has announced the appointment of Chinedu Okyere as its new Managing Director.
In a statement issued on Friday, the company said the appointment marks a decisive milestone in its growth journey, reinforcing its commitment to strong leadership, long-term value creation and operational excellence.
Speaking on the development, Chairman of ARN Foods, Rilwan Adetola Nola, expressed confidence in the newly appointed Managing Director, describing him as a leader with a deep understanding of business strategy, stakeholder management and sustainable development.
Nola said, “Okere's leadership philosophy, experience and clarity of vision position him exceptionally well to lead ARN Foods into the next phase of expansion. His appointment underlines our belief in purposeful leadership as a driver of long-term success.”
As Managing Director, Okere will oversee the company's strategic direction, operations and partnerships with a strong focus on driving impact across the value chain from sourcing and production to distribution and market expansion. His role will also prioritize strengthening internal systems, empowering teams, and deepening the company's commitment to excellence and accountability.
In his remarks, Okyere expressed excitement about his new role and the opportunities ahead.
He said, “I am honored to take on this responsibility at such an important time for ARN Foods. The company has built a strong foundation rooted in collaboration, integrity and ambition. I look forward to working with the team to build on what we have built while positioning ARN Foods for the future through innovation, discipline and intentional growth.”
The new head of ARN Foods is an experienced business leader with extensive experience in manufacturing, agriculture and agro-processing. Prior to his appointment, he served as the Managing Director of Coscaris Farms Limited, a subsidiary of the Coscaris Group, where he oversaw operations in primary agriculture, food processing and bulk grain storage.
He also previously served as the Chief Executive Officer of Nia Food and Drinks Company Limited, where he managed operations in plantation agriculture, juice and dairy processing. He gained significant experience while holding various roles at Heineken Nigeria, culminating in his appointment as National Planning Manager.
Okyere holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting and is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN). He has participated in several executive and professional development programmes, including the 'Effective Director Program and Agribusiness Management Programme' at Lagos Business School, the Africa and Middle East Leadership Development Program in Amsterdam and the Heineken International Management Development Course. He is also an active member of the Rice Processors Association of Nigeria (RIPAN), Rice Millers Association of Nigeria (RIMAN) and Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria (RIFAN).
Since its founding, ARN Foods has continued to differentiate itself through strategic partnerships, innovation and collaboration, and a people-first culture that values impact.
The company’s ultra-modern rice mill located on a 2,000 square meter land in Epe, Lagos is set to commence production in the first quarter of 2026. With a capacity of 3,000 bags per day, the state-of-the-art facility is expected to significantly contribute to Nigeria’s food security while aligning with the Federal Government’s sustainability drive in food production.
The rice mill integrates advanced technology designed to reduce waste, increase efficiency and ensure high product purity while protecting the environment.
In November 2025, ARN Foods completed the initial redemption of ₦3.8 billion Series 1 commercial paper issued under its ₦5 billion commercial paper programme. The company said the instrument, originally scheduled to mature on November 10, 2025, was fully redeemed on November 7, 2025, underscoring its strong liquidity position and commitment to sound financial management.
ARN Foods' product portfolio includes rice, sorghum, soybean and corn. The company collaborates with over nine trusted suppliers to maintain high standards of quality and innovation while meeting the growing needs of Nigerian consumers.
