On Friday, President Bola Tinubu announced his administration’s renewed commitment to attracting both international and local investments in Nigeria’s livestock sector, aiming to mitigate the ongoing conflicts between farmers and herders in the nation.
In a statement released by his spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu made these remarks in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, during the signing of a Letter of Intent with JBS S.A., one of the world’s leading meat processing companies.
Addressing JBS executives, Tinubu assured them that Nigeria is primed for business, promising favorable returns on investments.
“We are currently addressing a significant issue that affects communities in that region of Africa—the clashes between farmers and migrating cattle, which have led to loss of life and suffering, when there are modern, civilized solutions available that can also foster a thriving economy,” Tinubu explained.
“We aim to transform a tragic and hopeless situation into an economic opportunity, identifying the underlying issues while recognizing the potential they hold.”
The Nigerian President urged JBS S.A. to seize the vast opportunities within Nigeria’s livestock sector, estimated at $2.5 billion, particularly given the country’s large population and JBS’s renowned expertise in food security.
“We have heard extensively about your excellent reputation, and we are optimistic about the partnership we are establishing today.
“Food security is of utmost importance. Currently, we face hunger, yet there is significant hope, and you are a key part of that hope.”
Before heading to Brazil, Tinubu had tasked a group of Nigerian officials and private sector representatives with leveraging the G20 Leaders’ Summit to explore opportunities in livestock development, meat processing, and seed development in São Paulo, Brazil.
