In a landmark move aimed at addressing Nigeria’s long-standing issues of farmer-herder clashes, food security, and poverty, President Bola Tinubu has announced an ambitious plan to attract international and local investments in the livestock sector. Speaking in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, during the signing of a Letter of Intent between the Nigerian government and JBS S.A., one of the world’s largest meat processing companies, President Tinubu outlined his vision to turn a source of tragedy into a pathway to economic prosperity.
“What we are doing right now is that we are solving a problem that afflicted humanity in that part of Africa—clashes between farmers and migrating cows that have caused some life and bloodshed when there is a modern, civilized way to solve those problems and even bring a successful economy out of it,” President Tinubu stated.
“We are trying to turn a situation of tragedy, hopelessness into economic opportunity, see through problems and see the opportunity that is involved in it.”
The president’s comments were part of a broader pitch to JBS executives, urging the company to invest in Nigeria’s livestock industry, which he described as a “$2.5 billion opportunity.” President Tinubu emphasized that with Nigeria’s large population, JBS’s expertise could play a vital role in ensuring food security and eradicating hunger.
“We’ve heard so much about you in terms of the reputation, and we believe in the partnership we are forging today. Food security is extremely important. As we talk right now, there is hunger. However, there is huge hope. And you are one of those hopes that we are looking at,” he added.
The meeting was the culmination of a strategic visit to Brazil, which included a study tour by Nigerian officials and private-sector representatives. Led by Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Muhktar Mahia, the delegation conducted in-depth visits to Brazilian livestock and meat processing facilities to learn about advanced technologies and integrated operations in the industry.
Reporting back to the President, Minister Mahia described the extensive capabilities of JBS S.A., which processes 33,000 cattle and over eight million birds daily using zero-waste practices. The company, which employs over 200,000 people worldwide, is a global leader in the industry with operations in more than 50 countries, including the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Saudi Arabia.
Wesley Batista, founder and President of the JBS Group, expressed enthusiasm for the potential collaboration. “We are glad to work with Nigeria to develop the livestock industry there. We think it’s a good opportunity for our business in Nigeria and Africa, as we believe Nigeria can be the center of supply of protein to many countries in Africa. We look forward to working with you,” Batista remarked, expressing optimism about beginning operations in Nigeria as early as possible.
The high-level Nigerian delegation also included Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security Hon. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, Co-chairman of the Presidential Livestock Reform Committee, Professor Attahiru Jega, the Committee Secretary, Professor Mohammed Kuta Yahya, and CEO of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Council, Aisha Rimi.
Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, stated that the collaboration represents a promising step in President Tinubu’s commitment to not only foster peace and stability in Nigeria but also unlock economic opportunities within the agricultural sector.
