Purpose of the Role

The MD/CEO is the Chief Visionary and Strategic Leader of LAFSINCO. While the COO serves as the architect of operational excellence, the MD/CEO is the ultimate custodian of the company's mission, financial viability, and partnership ecosystem.

This role demands a transformative leader capable of navigating high-level Public-Private Partnership (PPP) diplomacy, securing large-scale investment, and ensuring that LAFSINCO delivers on its promise to revolutionise the West African food system. The MD/CEO is accountable for the overall P&L, corporate governance, and the strategic positioning of the SPV as a regional leader in sustainable infrastructure.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Vision

• Define and articulate LAFSINCO's long-term vision, aligning operations with Lagos State's food security and economic growth agenda.

• Lead the expansion of the Produce for Lagos programme and future satellite hubs across Nigeria and West Africa.

• Position LAFSINCO as a regional leader in sustainable food systems through innovation, investment, and policy influence.

• Set and communicate a Board-approved strategic roadmap, translating vision into measurable operational and financial milestones.

High-Level Stakeholder & PPP Diplomacy

• Act as the primary liaison between the Lagos State Government and private sector JV partners, ensuring the partnership remains aligned, productive, and mutually beneficial.

• Represent LAFSINCO at the highest levels of government, including the Executive Council, regulatory bodies, and international institutions.

• Build and maintain strategic alliances with global food security organisations, DFIs, bilateral agencies, and international logistics technology partners.

• Cultivate investor relationships to attract long-term capital and structured financing for infrastructure expansion.

Governance, Risk & Board Management

• Provide regular, transparent reporting to the Board of Directors on performance, risk mitigation, and strategic milestones.

• Ensure total compliance with SEC regulations, CAMA provisions, statutory laws, and international governance best practices.

• Oversee the development of robust Business Continuity Plans to protect the city's food supply from systemic shocks.

• Chair the executive risk management committee and ensure enterprise risk frameworks are implemented across all operations.

Financial Stewardship

• Oversee all corporate financial performance, ensuring profitability, sustainability, and margin protection.

• Secure funding through public-private partnerships, international grants, DFI lending, and commercial investments.

• Drive revenue growth via storage fees, processing margins, logistics services, and value-added ventures across the Epe Hub.

• Manage capital allocation, budget oversight, and financial risk in line with Board-approved parameters.

Operational Oversight

• Provide strategic direction to the COO and senior leadership team, ensuring operational excellence at the Epe Hub and all future facilities.

• Monitor KPIs across infrastructure reliability, logistics efficiency, sustainability metrics, and food affordability targets.

• Champion technology adoption (ERP, IoT, AI-driven logistics) to modernise and future-proof Africa's food systems.

• Drive a continuous improvement culture with data-driven performance management at all levels.

Institutional Depth & Culture

• Direct the C-Suite (COO, CFO, CRO) to foster a culture of Institutional Depth and Startup Agility across the organisation.

• Lead high-level recruitment for senior roles, ensuring 100% staff-to-role alignment across the executive and senior management layers.

• Champion a culture of accountability, integrity, and uncompromising safety standards across the entire infrastructure footprint.

• Lead succession planning for all critical executive positions.

Qualifications & Certificates

Advanced degree (MBA, MSc, or M.Eng) in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Industrial Engineering, or a closely related field — mandatory

First degree (B.Sc / HND) in Engineering, Agriculture, Business, Economics or related discipline — minimum Second Class Upper

Additional qualifications in Infrastructure Finance, PPP Structuring, or Public Policy are a strong advantage

Fellow or Member — Institute of Directors (IoD) — mandatory for board-level engagement

Fellow or Member — Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM) or equivalent — mandatory

Chartered Member — Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) — strong advantage

ACA, ACCA, CFA or equivalent financial qualification (added advantage)

Infrastructure / PPP project management certification (PMP, PRINCE2, APM) — added advantage

Experience Required

• Minimum 25–30 years of professional experience, with at least 15 years in CEO or senior executive roles within logistics or infrastructure management.

• Demonstrable P&L ownership at enterprise level — experience managing large, multi-site infrastructure assets or logistics platforms preferred.

• Proven track record in leading large-scale infrastructure projects, PPP models, and complex multi-stakeholder environments involving government JV partners.

• Strong financial acumen with direct experience in fundraising, DFI investment structuring, blended finance, and corporate governance at board level.

• Exceptional diplomatic, negotiation, and communication skills — demonstrated ability to engage at Federal and State Government level.

• Demonstrable ability to balance social impact mandates with commercial rigour in a regulated, mission-driven environment.

• Expertise in technology adoption for logistics and infrastructure management (ERP, IoT, AI-driven platforms).

• Demonstrated experience within SME and startup environments — having actively driven innovation, operational transformation, and business growth in growth-stage businesses.

• Ability to perform effectively under sustained pressure in fast-changing environments where structures are evolving, priorities shift rapidly, and execution speed is critical.

Managing Director/CEO