President Bola Tinubu has announced a strategic initiative aimed at securing over $2.5 billion in investments for Nigeria’s livestock sector. The plan seeks to resolve longstanding farmer-herder conflicts while driving economic growth and improving food security.

Speaking in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, during the signing of a Letter of Intent with JBS S.A., one of the world’s top meat processing companies, Tinubu highlighted the transformative potential of the partnership.

“We are solving a problem that afflicted humanity in that part of Africa clashes between farmers and migrating cows that has caused life and bloodshed. There is a modern, civilized way to solve this problem and even bring a successful economy out of it,” Tinubu stated.

Acknowledging the hunger affecting Nigerians, Tinubu expressed optimism about the initiative’s potential to enhance food security. Addressing JBS executives, he remarked, “Food security is extremely important. As we talk right now, there is hunger. However, there is huge hope. And you are one of those hopes that we are looking at.”

Wesley Batista, founder and President of JBS, emphasized the mutual benefits of the collaboration. “We think it’s a good opportunity for our business in Nigeria and Africa. Nigeria can become a hub for protein supply across many African nations. We are glad to partner with you,” Batista said.

JBS S.A., headquartered in Brazil, processes over 33,000 cattle and eight million birds daily using advanced zero-waste technology. With annual revenues exceeding $79 billion and a presence in more than 50 countries, the company is positioned to bring world-class expertise to Nigeria’s livestock industry.

Ahead of the agreement, Nigeria’s Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Muhktar Mahia, led a delegation on a study tour in São Paulo, Brazil. The team explored global best practices in livestock development, meat processing, and seed multiplication, ultimately identifying JBS as the ideal partner for Nigeria.

“JBS has the experience, scale, and technology to address food insecurity and transform our livestock sector,” Mahia explained.

This partnership forms part of Tinubu’s broader agenda to revitalize Nigeria’s agricultural value chain, resolving long-standing conflicts in the livestock industry and unlocking new economic opportunities. By leveraging global expertise, Nigeria aims to become a hub for protein production in Africa, creating jobs and fostering sustainable development.