President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to attracting significant local and international investments into Nigeria’s livestock sector. He expressed confidence that this focus would not only resolve the persistent farmer-herder conflicts but also tackle hunger, alleviate poverty, and promote economic growth across the nation.

Tinubu 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.

A Modern Approach to a Longstanding Issue

Highlighting the potential of the livestock sector, President Tinubu noted, “We are solving a problem that has plagued humanity in parts of Africa—clashes between farmers and migrating cattle. By adopting modern, civilized solutions, we aim to transform tragedy and despair into economic opportunities.”

He described the partnership as a step toward leveraging the $2.5 billion investment potential in Nigeria’s livestock industry, emphasizing the country’s vast population and untapped resources as significant advantages.

Food Security and Economic Opportunity

Addressing the executives of JBS S.A., Tinubu underscored the importance of food security in eradicating hunger. “As we speak, there is hunger. But there is also immense hope. This partnership represents that hope,” he said, assuring JBS of favorable investment returns in Nigeria.

The President further tasked Nigerian officials and private-sector players to draw lessons from Brazil’s advanced livestock practices during their participation in the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Sao Paulo.

Advanced Technology and Zero-Waste Practices

In his remarks, Nigeria’s Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Muhktar Mahia, shared insights from the delegation’s study tour of Brazil. He praised JBS S.A. for its state-of-the-art technology and zero-waste approach, describing the company as a global leader capable of processing 33,000 cattle and over 8 million birds daily.

Strengthening Global Partnerships

Wesley Batista, President and founder of JBS S.A., expressed excitement about the partnership, stating, “Nigeria has the potential to become a protein supply hub for many African nations. We are eager to work together to develop the livestock industry in Nigeria.”

Batista assured Tinubu that JBS would expedite plans to establish operations in Nigeria.

Delegation Members

The Nigerian delegation included high-profile officials such as the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi; Co-chairman of the Presidential Livestock Reform Committee, Professor Attahiru Jega; Secretary of the Committee, Professor Mohammed Kuta Yahya; and CEO of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Council, Aisha Rimi.

A Path to Prosperity

This renewed focus on the livestock sector aligns with Tinubu’s broader vision for Nigeria’s agricultural value chain, aiming to not only resolve security challenges but also transform the nation into a center of economic prosperity and food security in Africa.