President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to addressing Nigeria’s long-standing farmer-herder crisis through strategic reforms and investments in the livestock sector.
Speaking in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Thursday during the signing of a Letter of Intent between Nigeria and JBS S.A.—one of the world’s leading meat processing companies—Tinubu described the partnership as a transformative step for the country.
The development was disclosed in a statement on Friday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy. According to Onanuga, the initiative aligns with Tinubu’s broader agenda to boost agricultural productivity, enhance food security, and foster economic growth.
“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,” Tinubu said. “There is a modern, civilised 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.”
The president highlighted Nigeria’s underutilised livestock sector, valued at $2.5 billion, and urged JBS S.A. to seize investment opportunities in the country. He assured the company of significant returns while underscoring its potential role in ensuring food security for Nigeria’s growing population.
“We’ve heard so much about your reputation, and we believe in this partnership we are forging today,” Tinubu stated. “Food security is critical. At the moment, there is hunger, but there is also hope—and you are part of that hope.”
Tinubu also directed a team of Nigerian officials and private-sector stakeholders to explore livestock development, meat processing, and seed production opportunities 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. He identified JBS S.A. as a global leader, capable of processing 33,000 cattle and over eight million birds daily using advanced zero-waste practices.
JBS President and founder Wesley Batista expressed optimism about the collaboration, describing Nigeria as a potential hub for protein supply across Africa. “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 key stakeholders such as Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, Co-Chairman of the Presidential Livestock Reform Committee Professor Attahiru Jega, Committee Secretary Professor Mohammed Kuta Yahya, and Nigerian Investment Promotion Council CEO Aisha Rimi.
This partnership marks a significant step in Tinubu’s plan to transform Nigeria’s livestock industry, mitigate farmer-herder clashes, and unlock the sector’s economic potential.
