Tag: Olam Agri

Olam Agri has been recognised by the Top Employers Institute as a Top Employer 2026 in Nigeria for the sixth consecutive year, reinforcing Olam Agri’s sustained commitment to creating a high-performing workplace through data-driven people strategies, independent validation, and a clear focus on practices that drive business performance, employee engagement and growth.

The Top Employers Institute also recognized Olam Agri as a Top Employer across the African continent for the sixth consecutive year, with certifications in nine other countries including Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Mozambique, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Australia, The Netherlands, and Switzerland.  This recognition underscores Olam Agri’s position as an employer of choice, where employees are empowered to grow meaningful careers within a purpose-driven organisation that values performance, inclusion, collaboration, and long-term impact.

Active in 131 countries/regions, Top Employers Institute is the global authority in HR certification, benchmarking and advisory. Its Programme certifies organisations based on the results of its HR Best Practices Survey which covers six domains including People Strategy, Work Environment, Talent Acquisition, Learning, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, and Wellbeing.

Speaking on the significance of the consecutive recognitions, Jaideep Biswas, Senior Vice President & Regional Head of Human Resources, Olam Agri, said, “To have secured the Top Employer Certification for the sixth consecutive year reinforces our focus and intentionality on building and maintaining an engaged, inspired and satisfied workforce. Our team is our greatest asset, and we continuously deploy cross-cutting programmes to ensure excellence and shared learning.”

Anil Nair, Olam Agri in Nigeria Country Head, explained, “As we strive to ensure a food-secure world, we also ensure our world-class workforce finds fulfilment in their roles. Thanks to our human resource department leaders’ inputs, we keep recording positive employee sentiment and high retention rates. The sixth consecutive Top Employee certification will spur us to do more to maintain a well-equipped and inspired workforce as the world of work transforms.”

Olam Agri is committed to building an inspiring and high-performing organisation where passionate employees drive business growth, contribute to a sustainable future, and build fulfilling careers through:

A culture of excellence: that encourages collaboration and teamwork, rewards meritocracy and entrepreneurial spirit that allows intelligent risk-taking, and a diverse and inclusive workplace built on trust and autonomy. Easy access to senior leadership further empowers employees, eliminating bureaucratic hurdles and fostering agile decision-making.

Read Also: Tinubu laying strong foundation for long-term prosperity – Information Minister

Making a difference: a purpose driven workplace that has sustainability at its heart. It gives us an opportunity to play our part in strengthening global food security, improving access to better nutrition, enhancing the livelihood of communities, as well as tackling climate change.

Opportunity to flourish: a global footprint allowing careers that are truly global. This allows people to take on challenging assignments that broaden their experience and help shape and guide their own careers matching their aspirations. Everyone feels valued, recognised and supported to reach their full potential.

Top Employers Institute CEO Adrian Seligman commented: “Achieving a Top Employer Certification for 2026 reflects Olam Agri’s dedication to building an outstanding workplace that enables sustained business performance. Their strong alignment between people strategy and organisational goals, combined with a commitment to continuous improvement, demonstrates the impact of their transformative practices. We are proud to recognise Olam Agri for their meaningful contribution to a better world of work.”

Olam Agri, a leading agribusiness in food, feed, and fibre, has entered a strategic partnership with IDH and Arzikin Noma, a Nigerian agricultural development firm driving innovation and partnerships in rural farming communities, to strengthen soybean production in Kwara State. The agreement aims to unlock the potential of smallholder soybean farmers, particularly women and young people, through a comprehensive support programme.

The partnership will empower 5,000 smallholder farmers across soybean-growing communities in Kwara State. This empowerment will be delivered through the provision of credit facilities for farming inputs, mechanisation support, financial access, training in sustainable practices, and crucial market linkage. It will strengthen agricultural development in the region alongside Olam Agri’s new 350,000 MT soybean processing facility in Kwara State, which is sourcing soybeans majorly from local producers, to meet the rising demand for high-quality feed and oil. This initiative for smallholder farmers in the soybean supply chain builds on the company’s Seeds for the Future project which has supported farmers and farmer communities since 2021.

Olam Agri has been a long-standing supporter of the Kwara State Soybean Sustainability Programme, contributing equipment and training for agricultural extension workers. The company is now scaling up its efforts by integrating 5,000 smallholder farmers into its supply chain and implementing sustainable practices such as crop rotation and organic fertilization. Market access is crucial for empowering smallholder farmers and driving sustainable agricultural growth. This partnership will strengthen local agricultural productivity and also lay the groundwork for long-term farmer resilience and prosperity.

Read Also: Nigeria, Benin sign landmark integration pact

Speaking on the partnership, Eniola Fabusoro, Country Director at IDH, said, “We are excited to partner with Olam Agri and Arzikin Noma to boost productivity across the soybean value chain in Kwara State, Nigeria. This partnership exemplifies our approach of bridging the gap between large corporations and smallholder farmers through local partners. By combining our networks, resources, and field experience with proven SMEs like Arzikin Noma, we can transform supply chains while ensuring measurable impact for 5,000 farmers and long-term value for all stakeholders. This initiative demonstrates how sustainable trade can drive both agricultural development and business success.”

Adeoluwa Adeshola, Managing Director of Arzikin Noma, added, “Our commitment to food security and sustainable farming remains strong. This partnership in Kwara will raise both the quality and quantity of soybean produced locally, and we are proud to play a role in driving that progress.”

Dr. Shailendra Mishra, Global Sustainability Head – Grains, Oilseeds, Feed and Freight at Olam Agri said, “This partnership with IDH and Arzikin Noma marks a significant step toward a more sustainable and inclusive soybean value chain in Nigeria. The impact of this initiative extends far beyond the immediate participants, it serves as a model for how regenerative agriculture can transform communities, restore soil health, and drive economic growth. As we embark on this journey, we remain committed to scaling up and expanding our support, ensuring that more farmers can benefit from sustainable practices and market opportunities.”

Mustafa Turra, Vice President, Soybean Project Head at Olam Agri, emphasised, “This initiative promotes economic empowerment, enhances livelihoods, and boosts productivity, ultimately creating a more resilient and inclusive agricultural sector in Nigeria. By investing in this project and serving as the offtaker for locally produced soybeans, we are not only strengthening our supply chain but also ensuring that farmers have reliable, transparent, and rewarding opportunities to sell their produce.”

Olam Agri in Nigeria, a leading agribusiness in food, feed and fibre demonstrated pride in its roots and underlined its strong reputation as a Top Employer. The business marked this year’s Africa Day amid conviviality, impressive cultural engagement and display of diversity, thrilling staff penultimate across its office locations in the country.

Africa Day is celebrated annually in May. The event is dedicated to celebrating the continent’s vast cultural heritage, resilience, and deep potential. Olam Agri, which started in Nigeria in 1989, is one of the continent’s biggest corporate success stories. Hence, the business ensured it put its best foot forward in celebrating the continent, its cultural heritage and diverse workforce.

Led by the Country Head, Anil Nair, who dressed in local attire, every moment of the event tells a story of Africa’s richness, and the agribusiness’ pride in its origin and people. Staff wore traditional attire that represented their tribes and ethnicities, such as Yoruba, Hausa, Igbo, Urhobo, Efik, Ibibio, among others. Cultural troupes from local tribes and Kenya entertained the audience. Tasty local cuisine was served to the delight of the staff. The staff also engaged in games and dances targeted at fostering team bonding.

Speaking about the significance of the event, Anil stated, “At Olam Agri, Africa is more than just a market—it is home. While we have grown to a leading player in the global food and agri-business value chain, we take pride in our roots. Our success story is a pointer to the potential residing on the continent, the fertility of its soil, and the sheer resilience of the people.”

“Therefore, as we commemorate Africa Day 2025, we reflect with pride on our journey that began in Nigeria in 1989 and has since flourished across the continent. Our expansion across Africa has never been just about business; it has always been about people. At every step, we have embedded ourselves within communities—adapting to cultural nuances, engaging with local traditions, and respecting the values that make each region distinct. This event is a sharp reminder of the journey we have walked and the relevance we continue to build.”

Read Also: Nigerian banks to consider advanced biometrics to combat electronic fraud

The staff were full of praise for the business as they basked in the euphoria of a grand celebration of culture. Adams Edafe, an executive at the Shipping and Internal Audit Department, who is from the Urhobo tribe, described the annual celebration as more than just a social event but a platform that inspires motivation and pride in one’s identity.

He said, “Olam Agri is a platform that gives equal opportunities for growth. From cleaners to managers, people are given room to showcase their potential. There is no racism or bias—everyone is treated equally, irrespective of tribe, race, or background.”

Mary Isaiah, who hails from Cross River State and has spent two decades at the organisation, said, “I feel honoured to celebrate our culture, beauty, and style. Seeing my culture represented this way fills me with pride. This is my 18th year at Olam Agri, and the respect for all cultures makes this a truly unique place to work.”

Omotolani Badmus and Muhammed Bukar, members of the Yoruba and Kanuri tribes, shared the same sentiment. They said the African cultural heritage is well respected at Olam Agri, making each staff member honoured and proud of their origin, despite the diverse workforce.

Notably, earlier this year, Olam Agri was recognised as Top Employer for a fifth consecutive year by the highly respected Netherlands-based Top Employer Institute. Olam Agri’s African operations are spread across Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Chad, Ghana, Mozambique, Nigeria, the Republic of Congo, Senegal and South Africa.

Olam Agri in Nigeria has again been recognised as a Top Employer by the Top Employers Institute, marking the fifth consecutive year it has achieved this prestigious certification.

Announced during an event celebrating organisations that excel in the Institute’s annual HR Best Practices Survey, this milestone underscores Olam Agri’s exceptional workplace culture, innovative HR strategies, and growing appeal to talent locally and globally.

The Top Employer Institute evaluates organisations based on a comprehensive survey covering six key HR domains and 20 topics: People Strategy, Work Environment, Talent Acquisition, Learning, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and Wellbeing. Since 2020, Olam Agri’s operations in Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Nigeria, South Africa, and the Africa region have consistently earned top rankings, solidifying its reputation as an employer of choice.

As a leading agribusiness in food, feed, and fibre, Olam Agri is deeply committed to making a positive impact on its workforce, customers, host communities, and stakeholders. Through its efforts in Nigeria and other markets, the company contributes to food security, environmental sustainability, and economic development. This latest certification reflects Olam Agri’s adherence to global best practices and focus on creating meaningful, lasting change.

David Plink, CEO of the Top Employers Institute, commended Olam Agri and other certified organisations for their resilience and excellence. He noted: “Consistency in a not-so-consistent world is remarkable. Amidst technological advances, economic shifts, and evolving social landscapes, it’s inspiring to see organisations like Olam Agri rise to the challenge. This year’s certification celebrates those who continue to lead with people-first strategies, setting the standard for enriching the world of work.”

Jaideep Biswas, Regional Head of Human Resources at Olam Agri, highlighted the significance of the recognition, stating: “Our people-centric strategy aligns with the dynamic demands of the global talent landscape, embedding diversity, equity, and inclusion at the core of our operations. This certification validates our approach, but we’re not stopping here. We remain committed to helping our workforce thrive in a rapidly evolving work environment.”

Expatiating, Anil Nair, Managing Director, Olam Agri in Nigeria said, “As we celebrate this recognition, we also look to the future. Olam Agri is committed to scaling our HR practices to ensure alignment with global standards. We will continue to make significant investments in our people and the food value chain, enriching lives and driving economic growth. Our goal is to create an environment where our employees can excel and thrive, and we are dedicated to achieving this.”

Olam Agri’s continued success as a Top Employer reflects its unwavering dedication to fostering growth, well-being, and excellence in its operations.

In what economic pundits have described as a bold step, Olam Agri has committed to a four-development plan which will see the agribusiness company invest approximately N6.5 billion in various corporate responsibility and sustainability projects.

Giving this hint recently was Anil Nair, Managing Director of Olam Agri in Nigeria, who led a high-level delegation on a courtesy visit to the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

During the visit, Nair sought partnerships with the state government to deepen investments for expanded food production and job creation, given the state’s strategic economic importance.

“As a business founded in Nigeria over 34 years ago, we are committed to investing in initiatives that positively transform lives and impact the livelihoods of our host communities while scaling food production in the country,” Nair said.

He added, “We are dedicated to turning our priorities into action by implementing key sustainability initiatives across our value chain to advance the current administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda. Our four-year implementation plan aims to make a real impact that benefits all.”

Governor Sanwo-Olu commended Olam Agri for driving productivity in the agricultural value chain and stressed the need for continued efforts. He stated, “Olam Agri has positioned itself as a prominent leader in Nigeria’s agricultural industry. This meeting provided a great platform to exchange insights and discuss ways to strengthen our contributions to this crucial sector.”

He further emphasised, “Agro and food processing is a critical industry because food security is as vital as medical security or sovereign security in times of conflict. There is no greater security today than food security.”

Olam Agri, a leading agribusiness in food, feed, and fibre in Nigeria, is significantly expanding its Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability (CR&S) investment strategy to deepen its social, environmental, and economic development impact within the country.

The company has committed to a four-year development plan, allocating approximately ₦6.5 billion to various CR&S initiatives. These initiatives are designed to drive socioeconomic growth within the communities where it operates.

Read Also: FG threatens to revoke licenses of oil marketers

These initiatives are part of the award-winning Seeds for the Future (SFTF) programme – Olam Agri in Nigeria’s flagship sustainability effort designed to foster a brighter future for all.

The initiative focuses on five key areas: supporting farmers and farming communities, enhancing education and skill development for young people, economic empowerment of indigent women, promoting health and nutrition, and reducing carbon emissions across its operations.

The expanded investment commitment will support Olam Agri’s purpose for sustainable development across its business portfolio of rice, wheat milling and pasta, animal feed and protein, sesame, cotton, and edible oils from 2024 through 2028.

For instance, in 2024 alone, the agribusiness plans to invest about $1.07 million into initiatives, which has already seen the presentation of education grants to 15 qualified students from the University of Lagos in January, awarding scholarships to 87 underprivileged students in Nasarawa State in June, manual harvesters for wheat farmers in Jigawa and empowering 118 agri-extension workers in Kwara State in July.

Significant provisions in the four-year plan also include smallholder farmer capacity building in rural communities to strengthen food security, rural road rehabilitation to reduce disruption of the value chain, distribution of harvesters to reduce post-harvest loss, participation in public-private partnerships in seed and product R&D, among others.

Olam Agri in Nigeria, an agribusiness transforming food, feed, and fiber, has further solidified its reputation as a leading investor in human capital development. On Wednesday, July 3, 2024, the business which operates 4,451 hectares of rice farm and 215K MT of rice milling facility in Rukubi awarded scholarships to 87 indigent students during an event at its rice farm in Rukubi, Nasarawa State.

This scholarship program is part of the Seed for the Future (SFTF) initiative, a Corporate Responsibility & Sustainability (CSR) project of the agribusiness. The initiative supports farmers and farming communities by promoting education and skill development for young people, empowering women, enhancing health and nutrition, and reducing carbon emissions in business operations.

To promote broader education and skill development among young people in the host community, the business annually awards scholarships to tertiary students from Nasarawa State who meet specific academic criteria. Since the programme’s inception in 2014, over 700 students have received financial support to pursue their academic goals.

Read Also: Olam Agri, Finance Minister meet on food security

During the scholarship presentation, Brijesh Nandal, Head of Operations at Olam Agri in Nigeria, stated, “We are delighted at the growing participation in our annual scholarship program. This reflects our deep commitment to empowering Nigerian youths through education. By supporting these students, we are investing in their future and the future of Nigeria.”

Also, Anil Nair, Country Head of Olam Agri in Nigeria, expressed the organisation’s commitment towards educational empowerment of the underprivileged, stressing that it is its own way of nurturing the next generation of leaders and professionals who will contribute to the growth of our communities and the country. “Our scholarship program aims to inspire students in our host communities and help them achieve their dreams and aspirations.”