Erisco Foods Limited, a Nigerian-based food manufacturing company specializing in products like tomato paste, seasonings, and green tea, has garnered a mix of customer and employee reviews over the years. Known for its commitment to "feeding Africans with healthy foods," the company emphasizes locally made products under brands like Nagiko Tomato Mix. In this comprehensive review of Erisco Foods Limited reviews, we'll explore positive customer experiences, employee insights, notable controversies, and recent developments as of August 2025. This analysis draws from various sources to provide a balanced perspective.
Positive Customer Reviews of Erisco Foods Limited Products
Many customers appreciate Erisco Foods Limited for offering affordable, high-quality, and authentic Nigerian-made products. Reviewers often highlight the rich flavor and depth that Erisco's tomato paste adds to traditional dishes like jollof rice. For instance, users praise the Nagiko Tomato Mix for its taste and value, noting it as a reliable staple in Nigerian kitchens. Overall sentiment in some reviews portrays the company as occupying a significant place in the Nigerian food industry, with products seen as accessible and meeting everyday needs.
On platforms like Google, Erisco Foods holds a respectable 4.3-star rating, with some users expressing surprise at the quality of their tomato paste after trying it. Positive feedback also extends to the company's green tea and seasonings, which are marketed for health benefits and versatility in cooking. These reviews underscore Erisco's role in promoting made-in-Nigeria brands, aligning with consumer preferences for local, nutritious options.
Employee Reviews: Insights from Working at Erisco Foods Limited
Employee reviews of Erisco Foods Limited paint a picture of a structured workplace with both pros and cons. On platforms like Glassdoor and Indeed, the company averages around 3.8 out of 5 stars. Workers describe it as a "good and nice place to work," with opportunities for shifts (e.g., morning and night rotations) and a focus on production efficiency. However, common complaints include long 12-hour shifts, which can be demanding.
Anonymous reviews highlight benefits like job stability and the company's emphasis on nutrition-focused products, but some note areas for improvement in work-life balance. For those considering careers at Erisco Foods Limited, these reviews suggest it's suitable for individuals in manufacturing or food processing roles who value a steady environment.
The Chioma Okoli Controversy: A Major Chapter in Erisco Foods Limited Reviews
One of the most discussed aspects in Erisco Foods Limited reviews revolves around the 2023 controversy involving customer Chioma Okoli. On September 17, 2023, Okoli posted a Facebook review criticizing Nagiko Tomato Mix as "too sweet" and likening it to "pure sugar." This review, initially shared among friends, went viral and escalated into a legal battle.
Erisco Foods responded aggressively, leading to Okoli's arrest on September 24, 2023, during a church service. She was detained, flown to Abuja, and released on bail with a condition to issue a public apology. The company filed charges under Nigeria's Cybercrime Prohibition Act, accusing her of instigating harm to their reputation. A civil lawsuit followed on January 19, 2024, seeking billions in damages for alleged financial losses.
Public reaction was largely negative, with accusations of corporate overreach and threats to boycott Erisco products. Claims surfaced that CEO Eric Umeofia threatened Okoli's life during a TV interview, but fact-checks deemed this misleading—he emphasized pursuing legal action until resolution. The incident drew parallels to freedom of speech issues, with Okoli facing potential jail time.
PR experts criticized Erisco's heavy-handed approach, suggesting it turned a minor review into a "PR inferno." Recommendations included dropping charges, issuing apologies, and focusing on customer service to rebuild trust. Some reviews advise using negative feedback for growth, such as recipe improvements or sugar-free options.
2025 Updates on the Erisco Foods Limited and Chioma Okoli Case
As of August 2025, the case remains ongoing. The Federal High Court in Abuja adjourned Okoli's trial to February 10, 2025, due to scheduling issues. In a significant development, the Nasarawa State Judicial Commission demoted Chief Magistrate Emmanuel Jatau for misconduct and abuse of power in handling Okoli's remand, highlighting procedural irregularities.
Public discourse continues, with social media users drawing parallels to other corporate disputes, emphasizing consumer rights and corporate accountability. Okoli, who reportedly lost a pregnancy during detention in 2024, has garnered sympathy and calls for justice. The case has sparked broader discussions on reputation management in the digital age.
Conclusion: Balancing Strengths and Challenges in Erisco Foods Limited Reviews
Erisco Foods Limited reviews reveal a company with strong product appeal in affordability and local production, but one challenged by the handling of criticism. Positive feedback on taste and quality contrasts with the fallout from the Chioma Okoli saga, which underscores the importance of empathetic PR strategies. As the legal proceedings unfold into 2025, Erisco has opportunities to leverage negative reviews for improvement, such as enhancing customer engagement and product variety.
For consumers, these reviews highlight the value of researching products and companies. If you're considering Erisco Foods Limited products, weigh the positive experiences against the controversies. Always verify information from multiple sources for a complete picture.
Sources
EatDrinkLagos – Freedom of Speech: Erisco Foods lawsuit against Chioma Okoli
ICIR Nigeria – Erisco Foods threatens Chioma Egodi with N5bn suit
Al Jazeera – Why a Nigerian woman faces jail time for reviewing tomato puree
West Africa Weekly – After miscarriage, court remands Chioma over Facebook review of Erisco Foods product
The Beam Media – What happened to Chioma Okoli?
Dubawa – Did Erisco Foods CEO threaten to kill Chioma over bad review?
FactCheckHub – Did CEO of Erisco Foods Limited threaten to kill Chioma Okoli?
Nairaland – Chioma Okoli: Court remands Erisco critic (forum discussion)
NY Post – Nigerian woman facing jail time over scathing online review
Mapemond – From social media review to PR inferno: How Erisco Foods can avoid getting burned
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