Accident
Investment In Livestock Sector Will Address Farmer-Herder Conflicts, Eradicate Hunger — Tinubu
President Bola Tinubu assured on Thursday that his administration’s renewed focus on driving international and local investments into the livestock sector of the agricultural value chain will help end the recurring crises of farmer-herder clashes, eradicate hunger and poverty in Nigeria, and promote economic prosperity.
The President made this assurance in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, during the signing of a Letter of Intent between the Nigerian Government and JBS S.A., one of the three largest meat processing companies globally.
He stated, “What we are doing right now is solving a problem that has afflicted humanity in that part of Africa—clashes between farmers and migrating cattle that have caused loss of life and bloodshed—when there is a modern, civilized way to address these issues and even create a successful economy from them.”
“We are trying to turn a situation of tragedy and hopelessness into economic opportunity, to see through problems and recognize the potential they hold.”
The Nigerian leader urged the company to recognize the significant potential in what he described as the $2.5 billion livestock investment opportunities in Nigeria, particularly given the country’s large population. He emphasized JBS S.A.’s globally recognized expertise in ensuring food security.
“We’ve heard so much about your reputation, and we believe in the partnership we are forging today. Food security is extremely important. As we speak, there is hunger. However, there is also great hope, and you are one of those hopes that we are looking at.”
President Tinubu assured the top executives of JBS that Nigeria is ready to do business with them and promised a good return on their investment.
Before his visit to Brazil, the President had commissioned a team of Nigerian officials and private sector representatives to take advantage of the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Rio to conduct a study tour of São Paulo, Brazil, and explore opportunities in livestock development, meat processing, and seed development and multiplication for key grains.