Nigerian civil society organizations have called for transparency regarding a $2.5 billion livestock investment deal between the Nigerian government and JBS, the world's largest meat-processing company, citing environmental and social risks. The coalition, which includes farmer groups, environmental advocates, and community representatives, demanded the immediate disclosure of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in November 2024, arguing that the lack of public information undermines accountability and public participation in decisions shaping Nigeria's food systems.
The coalition's demands emerged during a three-day workshop in Abuja from 22 to 24 September, where participants focused on the implications of industrial livestock expansion in Nigeria. The event, attended by representatives from over 20 organizations, highlighted concerns about the potential environmental degradation, land rights violations, and socioeconomic impacts of the proposed project. The groups emphasized that decisions affecting food security and natural resources must involve open dialogue with affected communities.
JBS, which operates in 12 countries and processes 1.5 million animals daily, announced the MoU with Nigeria's government in November 2024. The agreement outlines a five-year, $2.5 billion investment to establish six meat-processing facilities—three poultry plants, two beef plants, and one pork plant. The company stated the project aims to reduce reliance on food imports, create jobs, and support smallholder farmers by developing a sustainable food production chain. However, the coalition argues that the absence of publicly available details about land allocation, environmental safeguards, and community consultations raises significant red flags.
The Nigerian government, through the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, has not released the full terms of the MoU. A request for information sent to Abubakar Sadiq, the Special Assistant to the Minister of Livestock Development, remains unanswered more than a month after submission. This lack of transparency has fueled suspicions among civil society groups, who note that similar projects in other regions have faced criticism for inadequate environmental and social impact assessments.
The coalition's communique, signed by organizations including the Youth in Agroecology and Restoration Network, Health of Mother Earth Foundation, and Environmental Rights Action, criticized the secrecy surrounding the JBS deal. It called for the publication of the MoU, related contracts, financing arrangements, and Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIAs). The groups also demanded independent ESIAs to evaluate the project's cumulative effects on land, water, and ecosystems before further land allocation or construction begins.
Key concerns include the potential for increased methane emissions, groundwater contamination from animal waste, and biodiversity loss due to large-scale land conversion. The coalition warned that industrial livestock systems could exacerbate public health challenges, including antimicrobial resistance, and warned against prioritizing corporate interests over the rights of smallholder farmers and pastoralists. They argued that Nigeria should instead invest in agroecological practices and traditional food systems to ensure long-term sustainability.
Niger State officials have reportedly offered 1.2 million hectares of land for the project, an area equivalent to nearly three million acres. However, the coalition stressed that the specific terms of land allocation, environmental safeguards, and community compensation mechanisms remain undisclosed. This opacity has led to fears that local populations could bear the brunt of environmental and social costs without adequate recourse or representation.
The groups called on the Federal Government to ensure coordination among ministries responsible for livestock, agriculture, environment, and land use. They also urged the National Assembly and state legislatures to hold public hearings on the JBS-Nigeria agreement and the implementation of the Nigeria Livestock Master Plan 2026–2040. The coalition emphasized that transparency and public participation are critical to preventing exploitative practices and ensuring equitable outcomes.
JBS has defended the project as a means to strengthen food security and develop local supply chains. The company stated that the six planned facilities would support domestic production and reduce reliance on imports. However, the coalition argued that Nigeria must prioritize environmental sustainability and community accountability in any major livestock investment. They called for independent audits of the project's commitments and a commitment to protecting the rights of affected communities.
The coalition cited JBS's operations in Australia as a cautionary example, noting that similar expansions have faced scrutiny over environmental and labor practices. They urged the Nigerian government to conduct thorough due diligence and ensure that the project aligns with national food security goals without compromising ecological integrity or social equity.
In response to the coalition's demands, the Federal Government has not issued a public statement. However, the National Assembly has begun discussions on the need for greater oversight of foreign investments in critical sectors. Lawmakers have pledged to scrutinize the JBS deal and advocate for stronger safeguards for smallholder farmers and pastoralists, including protections for land rights and market access.
The coalition also pledged to continue pursuing information through Freedom of Information (FOI) requests and joint investigations. They plan to examine the MoU's commitments, environmental and social safeguards, and the financial interests behind the investment. The groups emphasized that their campaign is not against foreign investment per se but against opaque processes that prioritize corporate interests over public welfare.
Environmental and health advocates warned that industrial livestock expansion could exacerbate Nigeria's existing challenges, including water scarcity, air pollution, and food insecurity. They argued that the government must balance economic development with the protection of natural resources and the rights of vulnerable communities. The coalition called on journalists and media organizations to independently investigate the project and amplify the voices of affected populations.
The JBS deal has sparked broader debates about Nigeria's food policy and the role of multinational corporations in shaping the country's agricultural landscape. Critics argue that without transparency and community engagement, such projects risk deepening inequalities and environmental degradation. The coalition's push for accountability reflects a growing demand for participatory governance in decisions that impact public health, the environment, and economic equity.
The outcome of the coalition's efforts will depend on the government's willingness to prioritize openness and inclusivity. As the JBS project moves forward, the pressure for transparency and accountability is likely to intensify, with civil society groups vowing to monitor developments closely and advocate for policies that align with the public interest.
The coalition's campaign underscores the importance of informed public participation in shaping Nigeria's food systems. By demanding transparency and accountability, civil society organizations are challenging the status quo and advocating for a model of development that prioritizes sustainability, equity, and the well-being of all Nigerians.
The JBS-Nigeria deal remains a focal point for discussions on the intersection of foreign investment, environmental protection, and social justice. As the coalition continues its advocacy, the government faces mounting pressure to ensure that the project aligns with national interests and international standards for responsible business practices.