Onome Amuge
Rite Foods Limited, one of Nigeria’s leading food and beverage manufacturers, is doubling down on sustainability as a core pillar of its growth strategy, seeking to balance profitability with environmental responsibility.
During a recent media tour of its Ososa, Ogun State energy centre, the company restated its commitment to eco-friendly operations, marking the World Ozone Day with a showcase of its renewable energy investments and circular economy initiatives.
Olufemi Ajileye, general manager, operations, said the company has integrated world-class processes that conserve energy, reduce carbon emissions, and safeguard the ozone layer into its production systems. According to him, Rite Foods is not merely aligning with global environmental goals but also demonstrating how Nigerian firms can set benchmarks for sustainable manufacturing.
The approach involves a unique energy mix that prioritises cleaner sources. Ekuma Eze, head of corporate Affairs and sustainability, explained that the Ososa factory was deliberately designed to embed sustainability into its DNA. Its current energy mix comprises 92 per cent gas, 6.5 per cent diesel, and 1.5 per cent solar, a blend that has allowed the company to maintain one of the lowest carbon intensities in the industry.
“With carbon intensity well below 800gCO/lpb, compared with an industry average of 1,300–2,500 gCO/lpb, we are showing that Nigerian manufacturers can lead in climate-conscious production. This commitment to cleaner energy sources and low-emission technologies is how we cut greenhouse gas emissions while protecting both the environment and our consumers,” Eze said.
Ajileye added that Rite Foods’ cooling plant is designed with advanced safety systems that ensure zero ammonia leaks, preventing harmful emissions while upholding stringent quality standards.
Beyond factory operations, the company has expanded its sustainability agenda to community-focused programmes through its CSR pillars—Education, Youth Empowerment, Environmental Stewardship, and Community Development (EYEC). A flagship initiative, RiteOnTheBeach, has made tangible impact in Lagos’ coastal communities by tackling plastic pollution through waste recovery, recycling, and youth-led clean-up campaigns. The project not only reduces ecological degradation but also creates income streams and funds educational materials for underserved children.
Rite Foods’ efforts have not gone unnoticed. The company was recently named Food Company of the Year 2024 at the Independent Media Awards, further cementing its reputation for innovation and social responsibility. Its product line; including 13 Bigi carbonated soft drink variants, Sosa fruit drinks, Bigi Premium Drinking Water, Nigeria’s top-selling Fearless Energy Drink, and its sausage rolls, has gained market share while being produced under world-class, environmentally sensitive standards.
