President Bola Tinubu has partnered with JBS S.A., one of the world’s largest meat processing companies to address Nigeria’s farmer-herder clashes and unlock the economic potential of the livestock sector.
The agreement was signed during his visit to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, marking a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s efforts to modernize agriculture and enhance food security.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, President Tinubu highlighted the vision of his administration to transform challenges into opportunities.
“We are turning a situation of tragedy and hopelessness into economic opportunity.
“By addressing the clashes between farmers and herders, we will not only end the crisis but also unlock a thriving livestock economy that eradicates hunger and poverty,” Tinubu stated.
The president reiterated the $2.5 billion investment potential in Nigeria’s livestock sector, inviting JBS S.A. to leverage its expertise to drive sustainable solutions and economic growth.
JBS S.A., known for its advanced zero-waste meat processing technologies and extensive global footprint, processes over 33,000 cattle and eight million birds daily.
The company’s founder and president, Wesley Batista, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration.
“We see Nigeria as a hub for protein supply in Africa and are excited about the opportunities to grow the livestock industry there. We are ready to start operations in Nigeria soon,” Batista said.
After the signing, Nigerian officials and private sector players conducted an extensive study tour in Brazil.
Minister of Livestock Development Idi Muhktar Mahia, led the delegation, which assessed advanced technologies and integrated practices in livestock and meat processing.
The delegation included Hon. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi: Minister of State, Agriculture and Food Security and Professor Attahiru Jega: Co-chairman, of the Presidential Livestock Reform Committee.
Others are Professor Mohammed Kuta Yahya: Secretary of the Committee and Aisha Rimi: CEO, Nigerian Investment Promotion Council.
President Tinubu emphasized the importance of food security, assuring JBS S.A. of favourable conditions for investment in Nigeria.
He said the partnership aligns with his administration’s agenda to modernize agriculture, foster innovation, and address socio-economic challenges.
According to him, the agreement represents a milestone in Nigeria-Brazil relations and promises a transformative impact on Nigeria’s agricultural value chain, bringing hope for a more secure and prosperous future.
Recall that the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, Prince Mohammed bin Salman, recently reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s support for Nigeria’s livestock development.
The assurance was made during a meeting with President Tinubu in Riyadh, held on the sidelines of the Joint Arab-Islamic Summit.
During the meeting, both leaders discussed potential areas for cooperation, with a strong focus on oil and gas, agriculture, infrastructure, and the formation of the Saudi-Nigeria Business Council.
