A.R.N. Foods appoints Chinedu Okere as new managing director to drive expansion

A seasoned leader steps in to accelerate A.R.N. Foods' rise in Nigeria's competitive rice industry. Can his vision transform the company's future?

, and Administrator

2026 March 14 . 1:03 PM

1 min read

The image shows an old advertisement for Allied Seed Company with a blue ribbon on it. The paper... — The image shows an old advertisement for Allied Seed Company with a blue ribbon on it. The paper has text written on it, likely describing the company's products and services.

A.R.N. Foods appoints Chinedu Okere as new managing director to drive expansion

A.R.N. Foods Limited has named Chinedu Okere as its new managing director. The appointment comes as the company strengthens its position in Nigeria's growing rice market. Okere will lead strategic operations and partnerships during a key phase of expansion for the business.

Okere brings over two decades of experience in manufacturing, agriculture, and agro-processing. Before joining A.R.N. Foods, he held senior roles at Coscharis Farms Ltd and Niyya Food & Drinks Company Ltd. His qualifications include a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and a Fellowship from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN).

The company has steadily increased its market share from 8% in 2021 to 15% in 2025. This growth follows expanded production and strategic partnerships, outperforming rivals like Dangote Rice and Golden Penny. On November 7, 2025, A.R.N. Foods also completed the early redemption of its N3.8 billion Series 1 Commercial Paper. A new ultra-modern rice mill in Epe, Lagos, is set to begin production in early 2026. With a capacity of 3,000 bags per day, the facility will boost output of the company's rice, sorghum, soybean, and maize products. A.R.N. Foods currently works with nine trusted suppliers across its supply chain. Rilwan Adetola Nola, the company's chairman, highlighted Okere's leadership skills as a major asset. The appointment is viewed as a critical step in A.R.N. Foods' long-term growth strategy.

Okere's role will focus on guiding the company's next phase of development. His expertise aligns with A.R.N. Foods' plans to expand production and maintain its competitive edge. The new rice mill and recent financial moves signal further investment in Nigeria's agricultural sector.