President Tinubu finally admits theres food insecurity in Nigeria
President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transforming Nigeria’s agricultural sector by attracting both local and international investments, particularly in livestock farming, to address the persistent farmer-herder conflicts and foster broader economic growth.
Speaking at the signing of a Letter of Intent with JBS S.A., one of the world’s leading meat processing companies, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, President Tinubu highlighted that Nigeria’s livestock sector presents an investment opportunity exceeding $2.5 billion.
In his remarks, President Tinubu emphasised the strategic importance of this collaboration in resolving long-standing challenges between farmers and migrating herders, a conflict that has led to significant loss of life and disrupted communities.
He expressed confidence that a modern, well-managed livestock sector could not only end the violence but also unlock economic potential, turning a longstanding tragedy into a thriving industry.
“We are determined to turn this cycle of hardship into a success story,” said the President.
“While food insecurity remains a pressing issue, we are optimistic about the future, and this partnership is one of the key steps toward transforming the sector.”
He further assured the JBS executives that Nigeria is open for business, emphasising that their investment would be met with a favorable environment and a high return on investment.
Wesley Batista, founder and President of JBS S.A., underscored the company’s commitment to the project, noting that JBS is Brazil’s largest employer, with over $79 billion in revenue in 2024.
Batista expressed enthusiasm about expanding into Nigeria and Africa, citing the country’s potential as a major supplier of protein for the continent.
“Nigeria is a vital market, and we are excited about the opportunities to collaborate in building the livestock industry here,” he said.
Before his visit to Brazil, President Tinubu had dispatched a team of Nigerian government officials and private sector leaders to the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Rio, where they took the opportunity to explore livestock development, meat processing, and seed multiplication in São Paulo.
This initiative aligns with the President’s vision to leverage global partnerships and innovative solutions to enhance Nigeria’s agricultural capacity and ensure long-term food security for the nation.
