Tinubu seeks Global Investment to transform Nigeria’s Livestock Sector

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to attracting both international and local investments into Nigeria’s livestock sector, aiming to resolve farmer-herder conflicts, eradicate hunger and poverty, and stimulate economic growth.

Speaking in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Thursday 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, President Tinubu highlighted the transformative potential of the livestock industry.

“What we are doing right now is solving a problem that has plagued humanity in that part of Africa—clashes between farmers and migrating cows, which have led to loss of lives and bloodshed. There is a modern, civilised way to address these problems and even create a successful economy out of it.

“We are turning a situation of tragedy and hopelessness into an economic opportunity. We see problems, but we also see the opportunities they bring,” he stated.

President Tinubu encouraged JBS S.A. to seize the $2.5 billion investment potential in Nigeria’s livestock industry, emphasising the country’s large population and the company’s expertise in food security.

“We’ve heard so much about your reputation, and we believe in this partnership we are forging today. Food security is extremely important. As we speak, there is hunger. However, there is huge hope, and you represent one of those hopes,” the President added, assuring the company of attractive returns on investment.

Ahead of his Brazil visit, President Tinubu had tasked a team of Nigerian officials and private-sector leaders to leverage the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Rio to explore opportunities in livestock development, meat processing, and grain seed production.

The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Muhktar Mahia, who led the delegation, briefed the President on the team’s extensive tours of globally integrated livestock companies. Mahia noted that JBS S.A. was selected as a partner due to its scale, technological advancement, and reputation as the world’s second-largest meat processor.

The company has the capacity to process 33,000 cattle and over eight million birds daily using zero-waste technology, with operations spanning more than 50 countries and employing over 200,000 people.

Wesley Batista, Founder and President of the JBS Group, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, describing Nigeria as a potential hub for protein supply across Africa.

“We are glad to collaborate with Nigeria to develop its livestock industry. We see this as a great business opportunity, and we believe Nigeria can become the centre of protein supply for many African countries. We look forward to working with you and hope to visit Nigeria soon,” Batista stated.

The delegation also included the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi; Co-chairman of the Presidential Livestock Reform Committee, Professor Attahiru Jega; the Committee’s Secretary, Professor Mohammed Kuta Yahya; and the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Council, Aisha Rimi.