President Bola Tinubu has emphasized his administration’s commitment to attracting international and local investments in Nigeria’s livestock sector as a solution to farmer-herder conflicts, hunger, and poverty.
He noted that this strategy would drive economic prosperity in the country.
Speaking in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Thursday 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 described the initiative as a pathway to transforming challenges into opportunities.
“We are solving a problem that has caused bloodshed between farmers and migrating cows in parts of Africa. There is a modern, civilized way to address these issues and create a thriving economy from them,” Tinubu said.
He added, “We are turning tragedy and hopelessness into economic opportunity. This is about seeing problems as opportunities and capitalizing on them.”
$2.5 Billion Opportunity in Livestock Sector
The President urged JBS S.A. to explore the $2.5 billion investment potential in Nigeria’s livestock sector. He highlighted Nigeria’s large population and the company’s expertise as key factors for a fruitful partnership.
“We believe in the partnership we are forging today. Food security is crucial, and although there is hunger now, there is also hope. You represent one of the hopes we look to,” Tinubu assured the company, promising favorable returns for their investments.
Nigerian Delegation Explores Brazil’s Livestock Industry
Ahead of Tinubu’s visit, a Nigerian delegation comprising government officials and private sector stakeholders toured Sao Paulo, Brazil, to study the livestock industry.
The team examined opportunities in meat processing, livestock development, and grain seed multiplication.
The delegation, led by the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Muhktar Mahia, recommended JBS S.A. for partnership based on its global reputation and advanced zero-waste processing methods.
The company, which processes over 33,000 cattle and eight million birds daily, employs more than 200,000 workers across subsidiaries in 50 countries.
Wesley Batista, the founder and CEO of JBS S.A., expressed optimism about the partnership.
“We are excited to work with Nigeria to develop its livestock industry. We believe Nigeria can become the hub for protein supply in Africa. We hope to begin operations in Nigeria soon,” Batista said.
High-Profile Delegation Supports Initiative
The Nigerian delegation included notable figures such as the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, Co-chair of the Presidential Livestock Reform Committee, Professor Attahiru Jega, the Committee’s Secretary, Professor Mohammed Kuta Yahya, and the CEO of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Council, Aisha Rimi.
Driving Food Security and Economic Growth
President Tinubu reiterated that this partnership aligns with his administration’s vision of leveraging agriculture to achieve food security, reduce poverty, and drive economic growth.
