Tinubu, during the signing of a Letter of Intent with JBS S.A., one of the world’s largest meat processors, outlined his administration’s strategy to drive investments into the livestock sector.
President Bola Tinubu has expressed concerns over the farmer-herder clashes that resulted in 3641 deaths between 2016 and 2018 alone, as reported by global human rights body, the Amnesty International.
Speaking in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Tinubu emphasised his administration’s determination to resolve the crisis and transform the tragedy into an opportunity.
“What we are doing right now is that we are solving a problem that afflicted humanity in that part of Africa, clashes between farmers and migrating cows that have caused some lives and bloodshed when there is a modern, civilised way to solve those problems and even bring a successful economy out of it,” Tinubu said in a statement issued by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga.
The violence over access to land and water in Nigerian states has not only claimed lives but also disrupted food production.
Tinubu, during the signing of a Letter of Intent with JBS S.A., one of the world’s largest meat processors, outlined his administration’s strategy to drive investments into the livestock sector.
“We are trying to turn a situation of tragedy, hopelessness into economic opportunity, see through problems and see the opportunity that is involved in it,” Tinubu added.
The president highlighted the $2.5 billion livestock investment opportunities in Nigeria, urging JBS S.A. to seize the potential offered by the country’s large population and abundant resources.
“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,” he said.
Tinubu assured the JBS executives of a favourable business environment, stating, “We’ve heard so much about you in terms of the reputation, and we believe in the partnership we are forging today.”
Ahead of his visit to Brazil, Tinubu had tasked a delegation of Nigerian officials and private sector players to explore opportunities in livestock development, meat processing, and seed multiplication during the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Rio de Janeiro.
The initiatives aim to resolve the decade-long conflict, eradicate hunger, and promote economic growth, ensuring that Nigeria’s agricultural value chain becomes a model for global partnerships.