A.R.N. Foods appoints Chinedu Okere as new MD ahead of Lagos rice mill launch

A seasoned leader steps in to drive A.R.N. Foods’ boldest project yet. Can Okere’s vision transform Nigeria’s rice industry by 2026?

, and Administrator

2026 January 3 . 4:04 PM

1 min read

A.R.N. Foods appoints Chinedu Okere as new MD ahead of Lagos rice mill launch

A.R.N. Foods Limited has named Chinedu Okere as its new managing director. The appointment comes as the company prepares to launch a major rice mill in Lagos next year. Industry leaders have praised Okere’s experience and strategic vision for the role.

Okere brings over two decades of expertise in manufacturing, agriculture, and agro-processing. He previously led Coscharis Farms Ltd as managing director and served as CEO of Niyya Food & Drinks Company Ltd. Earlier in his career, he worked at Heineken Nigeria, eventually becoming national planning manager.

His academic background includes a Bachelor of Science in Accounting, and he is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN). Rilwan Adetola Nola, chairman of A.R.N. Foods, highlighted Okere’s leadership skills and deep understanding of business strategy and stakeholder relations.

Under Okere’s direction, the company will focus on expanding its operations and partnerships. A.R.N. Foods produces rice, sorghum, soybean, and maize, working with over nine trusted suppliers to ensure quality. The firm recently demonstrated financial strength by redeeming its N3.8 billion Series 1 Commercial Paper ahead of schedule in November 2025.

A key project on the horizon is the company’s ultra-modern rice mill in Epe, Lagos. With a daily capacity of 3,000 bags, the facility is expected to begin production in the first quarter of 2026.

Okere’s appointment marks a significant step in A.R.N. Foods’ growth strategy. His leadership will guide the company’s expansion, including the launch of its high-capacity rice mill. The move reinforces the firm’s commitment to long-term value creation and operational excellence.