President Bola Tinubu has emphasized his administration’s commitment to driving both local and international investments into Nigeria’s livestock sector, aiming to resolve the ongoing crisis between farmers and herders, combat hunger and poverty, and foster economic growth.
A statement issued on Friday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy), informed that the President made this statement 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 largest meat processing companies.
Speaking at the event, President Tinubu highlighted the opportunity to transform the long-standing challenges between farmers and migrating cattle into a solution that could bring economic benefits.
He expressed optimism about leveraging Nigeria’s livestock potential, stating, “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.
“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.”
He further emphasized that the current crisis could be transformed into an economic opportunity, pointing out that Nigeria’s vast population and growing livestock sector present significant investment potential.He called on JBS S.A. to recognize the $2.5 billion opportunities in Nigeria’s livestock industry, particularly with their expertise in ensuring food security globally.
He added, “We’ve heard so much about you in terms of the reputation, and we believe in the partnership we are forging today.”
President Tinubu underscored the importance of food security, noting that while hunger persists in many parts of Nigeria, there is hope for a better future.
“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 assured JBS that Nigeria is open to business and committed to providing favorable conditions for a successful partnership.
Before his visit to Brazil, President Tinubu had sent a delegation of Nigerian officials and private sector representatives to explore opportunities in livestock development, meat processing, seed multiplication, and key grain development, taking advantage of the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Rio.
Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Muhktar Mahia, who led the delegation, briefed the President on their extensive study tour of companies in Brazil.
He explained that the team visited global-scale companies with integrated operations and cutting-edge technology.
JBS S.A, which processes 33,000 cattle and over eight million birds daily using zero-waste practices, was identified as the ideal partner due to its expertise.
The company employs more than 200,000 people across over 50 countries, including the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and Saudi Arabia.
Wesley Batista, founder and President of JBS, expressed excitement about the partnership, highlighting the company’s $79 billion revenue for 2024 and its status as the largest employer in Brazil.
He said, “We are glad to work with Nigeria to develop the livestock industry there. Nigeria can be the center of protein supply to many countries in Africa, and we look forward to working with you.”
Batista added that JBS hopes to begin operations in Nigeria as soon as possible.
Other members of the Nigerian delegation included Hon. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security; Professor Attahiru Jega, Co-chair of the Presidential Livestock Reform Committee; Professor Mohammed Kuta Yahya, Secretary of the Committee; and Aisha Rimi, CEO of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Council.
