Farmers, civil society organisations, and community leaders have called on the Federal Government to halt the implementation of its $2.5 billion livestock investment agreement with Brazilian meatpacking giant JBS, insisting that the project must not proceed without comprehensive environmental and social safeguards.
Speaking at the South West Regional Workshop on the “Implications of Industrial Animal Farming in Nigeria” held in Abeokuta, Ogun State, the stakeholders said the agreement lacked the necessary oversight, transparency, and public participation expected of such a major investment. They demanded that independent environmental and social impact assessments be conducted, alongside mandatory consultations with local communities, particularly traditional rulers, before any implementation begins.
The Federal Government had in November 2024 signed a letter of intent with JBS S.A, one of the world’s largest meat producers, for the investment aimed at transforming Nigeria’s livestock sector. The deal includes the construction of six new meat processing factories across the country, with the company saying the project will tackle food insecurity and support socio-economic development.
However, participants at the workshop, including farmers, community leaders, government officials, and civil society groups — criticised the agreement as undemocratic and opaque. They alleged that the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed without proper environmental assessments, social impact evaluations, or meaningful stakeholder engagement, warning that its execution could trigger community displacement and conflict.
“Our biggest issue with the MoU at this stage is that it’s not democratic; it’s not available in the public space. They need to make it available and make the process more consultative,” said a representative from the HEDA Resources Centre.
Another stakeholder, a former president of the Lagos State Catfish and Allied Farmers Association of Nigeria, expressed concern that relevant industry players were excluded from the negotiation and signing stages, undermining the deal’s legitimacy and long-term success.
In a communiqué issued after the workshop, participants urged the government to immediately publish the full MoU signed with JBS, describing it as a public document that must be subjected to scrutiny by citizens, civil society, and other stakeholders.
They warned that proceeding with the agreement without addressing these concerns could deepen mistrust, disrupt communities, and compromise environmental sustainability, urging authorities to prioritise transparency, inclusivity, and accountability in shaping the future of Nigeria’s livestock industry.
