President Bola Tinubu has announced that his administration’s focus on attracting both local and international investments into Nigeria’s livestock sector will help address the persistent crisis of farmer-herder conflicts and promote economic growth.
While in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, President Tinubu attended the signing of a Letter of Intent between Nigeria and JBS S.A., one of the world’s largest meat processing companies. He emphasized the enormous potential of Nigeria’s livestock sector, valued at over $2.5 billion.
“This agreement will solve a long-standing issue in Africa—farmer-herder clashes caused by migrating livestock, which have led to bloodshed. Modern solutions can transform this challenge into economic success,” Tinubu said.
He continued by stressing his administration’s commitment to turning challenges into opportunities: “While hunger is still present, there is great hope. This partnership represents one of those hopes. We see problems as opportunities for progress, and food security is key to this vision.”
Tinubu assured JBS executives that Nigeria is eager for investment and that their involvement would yield strong returns.
Wesley Batista, founder and president of JBS, expressed confidence in Nigeria’s livestock potential, particularly as a protein hub for Africa. “We’re excited to collaborate with Nigeria, which we believe can become the center of protein supply for many African countries,” Batista said.
JBS, a leader in meat processing with a reported revenue of $79 billion in 2024, operates in over 50 countries, processing 33,000 cattle and eight million birds daily. The company is committed to sustainability, employing advanced zero-waste practices.
Before the event in Rio, President Tinubu sent a Nigerian delegation, led by Minister of Livestock Development Idi Muhktar Mahia, to explore livestock development opportunities during the G20 Summit. Mahia highlighted JBS as the ideal partner, noting the company’s integrated operations, cutting-edge technology, and global reach.
“JBS’s ability to scale operations and its zero-waste model make it the perfect partner to transform Nigeria’s livestock industry,” Mahia said.
