Groups raise concerns over JBS’s proposed $2.5bn Nigeria investment

Summary

Civil society groups and environmentalists have questioned JBS’s proposed $2.5 billion investment in Nigeria, citing possible impacts on land, water, livelihoods and the environment.

Highlights

• The concerns were raised at a stakeholder convening in Abuja organised by HOMEF with ERA and HEDA Resource Centre.
• The two-day event focused on JBS’s proposed investment and the implications of industrial-scale livestock production in Nigeria.
• The groups said the project could affect land, water resources, local livelihoods, smallholder farmers and the environment if not properly scrutinised and regulated.
• They later held a peaceful demonstration at the Federal Secretariat in Abuja and submitted a petition to the Ministry of Livestock Development.
• JBS said in 2024 that it had signed an MoU with the Nigerian government on food security and sustainable supply chains, with plans that included six plants and a five-year investment plan.