Nigeria partners with Brazil’s JBS for $2.5bn livestock investment, a significant step towards transforming the nation’s livestock industry.
[dropcap]N[/dropcap]igeria’s vast geography, spanning arable lands across Sahel Savannah in the north and tropical rainforests in the south, makes it an ideal environment for agricultural development.
Coupled with rich oil, gas, and solid mineral resources, Nigeria possesses immense potential to boost its economy through agriculture and livestock production.
Also read: President Tinubu vows to transform Nigeria’s livestock sector
Under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, significant steps are being taken to transform the livestock sector into a thriving and export-driven industry.
The creation of the Ministry of Livestock Development marks a strategic move to modernise animal husbandry, enhance food security, and promote economic diversification.
Mukhtar Idi Maiha, appointed as the pioneer Minister of Livestock Development, has embarked on actionable initiatives to lay a solid foundation for Nigeria’s livestock industry.
The minister’s recent engagements at the G20 Summit in São Paulo, Brazil, brought remarkable breakthroughs. During this event, Nigeria secured a $2.5 billion Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with JBS S.A., the world’s second-largest meat processing company.
JBS S.A., renowned for handling over 33,000 cattle and eight million birds daily, is committed to advancing Nigeria’s livestock production.
Wesley Batista, President of JBS, emphasised Nigeria’s potential as a protein hub for Africa and expressed optimism about fostering a sustainable partnership.
Less than a month after the Brazil visit, a delegation from JBS arrived in Nigeria, focusing on Niger State as a pilot for investment.
The delegation toured livestock facilities in Minna, led by Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago.
The governor expressed confidence in the project’s transformative impact on crop production, animal husbandry, and economic growth.
“This collaboration will create a robust livestock value chain while addressing issues such as farmer-herder conflicts,” said Governor Bago.
He hailed the visit as a significant step towards unlocking Nigeria’s livestock potential and attracting further investments.
The partnership aligns with Nigeria’s broader vision to modernise livestock practices, integrate best global standards, and enhance competitiveness.
By leveraging expertise from regions such as Europe, Latin America, and Africa, the Ministry aims to drive innovations, create jobs, and boost exports.
Experts believe that the success of this collaboration will spur other states into action, making livestock development a cornerstone of Nigeria’s economic recovery.
Source: Read more at iretura.com
Quadri Olaitan is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, public affairs, and human-interest stories.
