President Bola Tinubu has reiterated his administration’s resolve to address the farmer-herder crisis through targeted investments in Nigeria’s livestock sector.
The president made this declaration on Thursday in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, during the signing of a Letter of Intent between Nigeria and JBS S.A., one of the world’s leading meat processing companies.
In a statement released on Friday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu emphasized that this partnership is a crucial component of his administration’s agenda to transform agriculture and drive economic growth.
Highlighting the initiative’s impact, Tinubu described it as a pivotal move to combat hunger, alleviate poverty, and promote economic prosperity in Nigeria.
“What we are doing now is solving a problem that has plagued humanity in that part of Africa—clashes between farmers and migrating cattle—which have led to loss of life and bloodshed. There is a modern, civilized way to address these problems and create a thriving economy from them.
“We are turning a situation of tragedy and hopelessness into an economic opportunity by recognising the potential within these challenges,” Tinubu stated.
The president highlighted the untapped potential of Nigeria’s livestock sector, which he valued at $2.5 billion, and urged JBS S.A. to capitalize on investment opportunities in the country.
He also assured the company of good returns, stressing the importance of its role in ensuring food security for Nigeria’s large population.
“We’ve heard so much about your reputation, and we believe in this partnership we are forging today.
“Food security is critical. At the moment, there is hunger, but there is also hope—and you are part of that hope,” Tinubu said.
The statement further revealed that Tinubu had directed a team of Nigerian officials and private-sector stakeholders to explore opportunities in livestock development, meat processing, and seed production during the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Brazil.
The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Muhktar Mahia, who led the delegation, reported extensive tours of advanced facilities in São Paulo and selected JBS S.A. for its global expertise.
Mahia described JBS as the second-largest meat processor worldwide, capable of handling 33,000 cattle and over eight million birds daily while employing advanced zero-waste practices.
Wesley Batista, founder and President of JBS, expressed optimism about the collaboration. He described Nigeria as a potential hub for protein supply across Africa and committed to advancing the partnership.
“We are excited to work with Nigeria to develop its livestock industry. We see great opportunities for our business in Nigeria and across Africa,” Batista said, adding that the company plans to visit Nigeria soon.
The Nigerian delegation included 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 Nigerian Investment Promotion Council CEO, Aisha Rimi.
