President Bola Tinubu assured on Thursday that his administration’s renewed focus on driving international and local investments into the livestock sector of the agricultural value chain will end the recurring crisis of farmer-herder clashes, eliminate hunger and poverty in Nigeria, and promote economic prosperity.
The President made the pledge 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 top three meat processing companies. He stated, “What we are doing right now is solving a problem that has plagued humanity in that part of Africa, clashes between farmers and migrating cows that have resulted in some life and bloodshed when there is a modern, civilised way to solve those problems and even bring a successful economy out of it.
“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 Nigerian leader urged the corporation to recognise the significant potentials in what he called Nigeria’s $2.5 billion livestock investment opportunities, particularly considering its large population, and to capitalise on them, citing JBS S.A.’s worldwide recognised experience in food security. “We’ve heard a lot about you in terms of reputation, and we believe in the collaboration we’re building today. “Food security is really crucial. Hunger exists as we speak. However, there is great hope. And you are one of the hopes that we are considering.
President Tinubu informed JBS executives that Nigeria is eager to do business with them and assured them of a high return on investment. Prior to his visit to Brazil, the President had commissioned a team of Nigerian officials and private sector players to use the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Rio to conduct a study tour of Sao Paulo, Brazil, to explore opportunities in livestock development, meat processing, seed development, and key grain multiplication.
In his remarks, the delegation’s leader, Minister of Livestock Development Idi Muhktar Mahia, informed the President that the team went on guided, extended, and intensive tours of companies to learn about their global reach, integrated nature of operations, and use of advanced technology.
According to Mahia, JBS S.A. was chosen because it is the world’s second largest meat processing company, capable of processing 33,000 calves and over eight million birds per day while employing innovative zero-waste procedures.
The corporation employs approximately 200,000 people through its subsidiaries in more than 50 countries worldwide, including the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Saudi Arabia, among others. Wesley Batista, founder and President of the JBS group, stated that the company is Brazil’s largest employer, with over $79 billion in revenue already in 2024.
“We are pleased to collaborate with Nigeria to expand the livestock sector there. We believe it is a wonderful opportunity for our business in Nigeria and Africa because Nigeria has the potential to be a protein supply hub for many African countries. “We are looking forward to working with you. We are approaching December, and the year is almost over.
“We hope to be in Nigeria as soon as possible,” the founder and CEO stated. Other delegation members included Hon. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Professor Attahiru Jega, Co-Chairman of the Presidential Livestock Reform Committee, Professor Mohammed Kuta Yahya, Secretary of the Committee, and Aisha Rimi, Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Council.
