President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to leveraging international and local investments in Nigeria’s livestock sector to address farmer-herder conflicts, eradicate hunger, and drive economic growth.
Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy in a statement on Friday said he made this declaration on Thursday 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.
President Tinubu highlighted the transformative potential of this partnership, describing it as a solution to a long-standing crisis in Africa.
“We are solving a problem that has caused bloodshed and tragedy, turning it into an economic opportunity. This partnership symbolizes hope in the face of adversity,” the President said.
He urged JBS S.A. to explore the vast $2.5 billion livestock investment opportunities in Nigeria, emphasising the nation’s large population and economic potential.
Mr Tinubu assured the company’s executives of profitable returns on their investments, stating, “Food security is critical. There is hunger now, but with partners like you, there is also hope.”
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Before the President’s visit, a Nigerian delegation, led by the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Muhktar Mahia, conducted a study tour in Sao Paulo.
The team explored livestock development, meat processing, and advanced agricultural technologies. Minister Mahia reported that JBS S.A. stood out among other companies due to its scale and zero-waste practices.
The company processes 33,000 cattle and over eight million birds daily and operates in over 50 countries, employing more than 200,000 people globally.
Wesley Batista, founder and President of JBS S.A., expressed enthusiasm about the partnership.
“We are excited to work with Nigeria to develop its livestock industry. We see Nigeria as a future hub for protein supply in Africa and are eager to begin operations soon,” he said.
The Nigerian delegation included key stakeholders such as the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi; Co-chairman of the Presidential Livestock Reform Committee, Professor Attahiru Jega; the Committee’s Secretary, Professor Mohammed Kuta Yahya; and the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Council, Aisha Rimi.
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This initiative aligns with the Mr Tinubu administration’s broader agenda to attract global partnerships and investments, ensuring sustainable solutions to food insecurity and agricultural challenges.
