Ishaku Elijah

PhD(in view)

Talent

AbujaMember since May 19, 2026

PhD(in view)Analytical & Critical ThinkingFinancial ModellingBusiness Valuation AnalysisPresentation skillsInterpersonal skillsAdaptable and flexibleWritten and verbal communication skillsAdvanced Microsoft Excel

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PhD(in view)Analytical & Critical ThinkingFinancial ModellingBusiness Valuation AnalysisPresentation skills

About

Vision-driven agribusiness executive committed to advancing food security across Nigeria and Africa through sustainable agricultural development and inclusive economic participation. I leverage agribusiness as a strategic platform to combat poverty, catalyze rural transformation, and create scalable social impact, particularly by empowering women and youth to achieve economic independence and reach their full potential. A forward-thinking leader with strong strategic acumen, I combine operational execution with long-term vision to build resilient agricultural value chains.

Passionate about people development, I foster enabling ecosystems that unlock productivity, innovation, and inclusive growth. I am driven by continuous learning, collaborative leadership, and the pursuit of transformative opportunities that deliver measurable economic and social outcomes.

Experience

Chief Operating Officer - Farm Warehouse Nigeria Limited

(2025-02)

Oversee day-to-day operations, ensuring efficient execution of Farm Warehouse's strategic goals.

Improved operational efficiency of three agro-processing hubs from below 50% to 95% utilization within six months through process optimization, staff training, and enhanced maintenance protocols.
Led aggregation and sales of over 100MT of processed produce within six months, strengthening market linkages and boosting revenues.
Managed supply chain operations, equipment deployment, and preventive maintenance to ensure continuous hub operations.
Coordinated hub managers and field teams to align performance with company targets.
Implemented data-driven monitoring systems to track productivity and operational KPIs in real time.
Oversaw capacity-building programs for processors to improve skills and operational outcomes.
Maintained quality and safety standards across all processing hubs.
Built and managed relationships with key stakeholders, including mini-grid operators, equipment suppliers, and commodity off-takers.
Spearheaded initiatives to expand operations into additional rural communities powered by mini-grids.

Founder/CEO - Glean Agro Nigeria Limited

(2023-01)

Define and drive the organization's long-term vision.
Develop strategic plans that integrate technology, market access, and agricultural services to promote sustainable agribusiness and shared prosperity.
Build and scale core business operations, including input financing, grain banking, capacity development, and market linkage services for smallholder farmers.
Oversee the design and implementation of training and support systems that elevate farmer productivity and capacity.
Promote the use of data-driven agricultural practices, digital tools, and innovative solutions that improve efficiency and value creation in agri-food systems.

Chief Operating Officer - StarAgri West Africa Limited

(2023-12 - 2024-12)

Develop and implement the company's business strategy and design an effective organizational structure.
Create and maintain company policies, procedures, systems, and processes to guide operations.
Support the CEO in the daily management and operational oversight of the company.
Design, document, and enforce processes and procedures to ensure smooth operations and regulatory compliance.
Lead the establishment and performance management of the aggregation and export business unit.
Set up Staragri field operations and ensure adequate staffing for all business activities.

Executive Director/Coordinating Director - Crest Agro Products Limited

(2022-11 - 2023-11)

Coordinate and oversee the activities of the senior management team across the group.
Develop and implement an effective sourcing strategy for the group's operations.
Lead organizational restructuring to improve efficiency and alignment with strategic goals.
Establish and manage an out-grower program to ensure a consistent raw material supply.
Design and execute ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) and HSE (Health, Safety, and Environment) initiatives.
Manage commercial engagements and partnerships with third-party farms.
Oversee trucking and logistics operations to ensure timely and cost-effective deliveries.
Lead community and stakeholder engagement to build strong relationships and support business objectives.

Assistant General Manager – Field Operations - Babban Gona Farmer Services Limited

(2021-01 - 2022-11)

Restructure the Customer Service unit into an A1-grade Customer Experience Centre.
Overhaul inventory management processes and systems to improve accuracy and efficiency.
Manage a farmer loan debt portfolio exceeding ₦14 billion, serving over 100,000 rural farmers.
Enhance smallholder partnership service delivery to improve member farmer satisfaction and outcomes.
Lead a team of 2,000+ personnel in recruitment, training, support, and service delivery to both member and non-member customers.
Expand Babban Gona's service capacity to better meet farmer and market needs.
Ensure optimal customer service and operational efficiency to maintain strong profit margins.
Set the tone at the top by implementing robust controls and governance practices.
Drive adoption and effective use of technology across units to improve operational impact and efficiency.
Establish efficient inventory management and haulage/supply chain processes.
Mentor senior leadership and cultivate organizational talent for long-term growth.

Head of Operations – Smallholder Partnerships - Babban Gona Farmer Services Limited

(2019-04 - 2020-12)

Directly manage a ₦8 billion farmer loan debt portfolio, serving over 40,000 rural farmers.
Enhance Smallholder Partnership (SHP) service delivery to improve value and support for member farmers.
Restructure the SHP business unit to improve efficiency, accountability, and performance.
Refine the SHP business model to enable scalable and exponential growth.
Develop innovative technology-driven products to address inefficiencies in service delivery to smallholder farmers.

Head Process Control and Compliance - Babban Gona Farmer Services Limited

(2018-10 - 2019-04)

Design and implement a revamped, efficient Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) process to track performance and impact.
Lead business process optimization initiatives to improve efficiency and reduce operational bottlenecks.
Provide consulting and advisory services to senior leadership on strategic and operational matters.
Review and strengthen internal controls to ensure compliance and mitigate risks.
Coordinate external auditor control assessments and facilitate timely resolution of findings.
Conduct comprehensive operational risk assessments to identify vulnerabilities and recommend corrective actions

Head Treasury and Accounting - Babban Gona Farmer Services Limited

(2017-01 - 2018-09)

Oversee cash flow and treasury management to ensure liquidity and optimal capital allocation.
Manage finance operations, including payables, receivables, and general ledger maintenance.
Conduct financial analysis and reporting to support strategic decision-making.
Supervise payroll processing and ensure accurate, timely tax compliance.
Establish and maintain robust financial control processes to safeguard company assets.

Regional Internal Audit Lead - Babban Gona Farmer Services Limited

(2016-01 - 2016-12)

Conduct comprehensive business risk assessments to identify and mitigate potential threats.
Drive business process improvements to enhance efficiency and productivity.
Review existing internal controls to ensure effectiveness and compliance.
Provide consultation and advisory services to business units for operational optimization.
Develop and recommend new internal controls for management approval and implementation.
Oversee monitoring and evaluation to track performance and impact against targets.

Lead Internal Auditor / Data Analyst - Babban Gona Farmer Services Limited

(2015-01 - 2015-12)

Design and conduct Quality Assurance Assessments
Perform Business Risk Assessments
Lead Business Process Improvement initiatives
Review the efficiency of internal controls
Provide consultation services to business units
Monitor and evaluate operations
Conduct staff training
Manage Information Systems
Perform data analysis and interpretation
Create data visualizations to drive business objectives

Data Analyst / Internal Control Officer - Babban Gona Farmer Services Limited

(2014-03 - 2014-12)

Conduct and direct reviews of organization controls.
Creating standard operating procedures for business units
Provided the roadmap for the development of a very low-cost enhanced data management tool using Microsoft access.
Develop new internal controls.
Ensure compliance with processes and efficient controls.
Data entry and information management
Data analytics and reporting
Team training

Mass Market Officer - United Bank for Africa

(2014-01 - 2014-03)

Drive bank's customer acquisition, deposit mobilization, and product awareness initiatives.
Collaborate with operations and credit teams to ensure seamless onboarding and service delivery for clients.
Identify and prospect new customers through field marketing, referrals, and networking activities.