Olusola Fatoki, a graduate of Food Science and Engineering from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, is a certified food safety auditor who decided to set up his own private consultancy. As a food safety auditor, he advises clients on safe food practices and high-quality standards.
By Eberechi Obinagwam
Olusola Fatoki, a graduate of Food Science and Engineering from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, is a certified food safety auditor who decided to set up his own private consultancy. As a food safety auditor, he advises clients on safe food practices and high-quality standards.
His desire for becoming a consultant and food safety auditor started in 2021 while working as a Quality Control Manager for a QSR company where he was able to set up quality control system for the company among others.
In 2022, Olusola’s dream came through as he started working as a consultant in a previous company he had worked for. Later, he started consulting for Quick Service Restaurant in 2023 before registering his company, Pawalux Consults’ this year, 2025- a company he still consults for while also managing his own.
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Among others, Olusola told TheNiche that he chose food safety because it directly protects people’s health. “I’m motivated by making sure food is safe, building trust, and helping businesses meet high standards.”
Another experience that stood out for Olusola was his internship with Cadbury Nigeria in 2016/2017. Knowing what he was embarking upon earlier, he had obtained certifications from various institutes. Among them are: Quality Management Systems lead auditor at Management Systems Institute in 2015, Food Safety Management Systems at Unique Ocean Ltd in 2018, Food Safety System Certification Lead auditor at Bureau Veritas and HACCP certification and La Galaxie consults.
Capital
Olusola said sourcing capital to get his certifications was a bit challenging due to its high cost, but was able to navigate through his friend abroad that supported him financially.
Market penetration
The CEO of Pawalux Consults said penetrating the market was not an easy one because of the service he renders. “I render services mostly, and it’s always a challenge especially in Nigeria where people are dealing with you for the first time. I have been on this journey for 6 years, and all thanks to a professional who reached out on LinkedIn I was recommended to an international company as a Quality Management Systems auditor. This singular gesture opened more opportunities to penetrate deep into the market,” he said.
Saving a company from huge regulatory fee that turned sour
One of Olusola’s ugly experiences in his field was trying to save a company he had worked for from paying a huge regulatory fine but was tagged as incompetent by some their staff who ganged up against him because they wouldn’t be able to dubiously get money out of it. But, along the line, he was given an opportunity to speak up through a query. After his explanation to the MD and investigation, he was vindicated and was called back after he had left the company to become a consultant.
“I can never forget a time when I was working with a company back then. I was trying to save them from paying a huge regulatory fine, but some of their staff ganged up against me, tagging me incompetent, because they wouldn’t be able to dubiously get money out of it. They even advised the company to terminate my appointment with them.
“After the incident, I was given a query, which served as an opportunity for me to explain myself, and an investigation was conducted after which I was vindicated. They then realised what really happened. The MD apologised, and they were able to see value in what I did. This prompted them to call me back as a consultant after I left the company.”
Breakthrough
Olusola’s breakthrough was when he was recommended for an international company. “They gave me a try and they were impressed. That really encouraged me.”
Business challenges
The Chief Executive Officer of Pawalux Consults said the challenge he faced was trying to prove first-time clients, especially clients who had fallen victims of incompetent or fraudulent so-called professionals. “But I let my portfolio speak for me. Many unqualified people sometimes spoil this line of business for us in Nigeria,” he said.
Japa
Olusola has no plans of leaving his business to relocating abroad in the name of Japa. To him, the market is here in Nigeria and the harsh economy is an opportunity to solve problems. “Every great person in history is a problem solver.”
Brief about Olusola
Olusola Fatoki was born and bred in Lagos state in the early 90’s. He studied food science and engineering at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology. He is a food safety expert. He trains, coach and mentor young students on career paths.
He is the owner of Pawalux Consults Limited, where they empower individuals and organisations with the insight, strength and tools needed to excel in a rapidly evolving world, promoting safe food practices and high-quality standards.
Growing on his career path, he got certification training as a Quality Management Systems lead auditor at Management Systems Institute in 2015, Food Safety Management Systems at Unique Ocean Ltd in 2018, Food Safety System Certification Lead auditor at Bureau Veritas and HACCP certification and La Galaxie consults.
He is also a member of Nigerian Institute of Food Science and Technology and Quality Management Systems and Auditor Institute.
