JBS, the Brazilian meatpacking giant, has announced plans to invest $2.5 billion in Nigeria’s livestock industry, marking a significant move into the African market. The firm recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Nigerian government to establish six livestock factories. This investment signals JBS’s ambition to expand its global footprint and cater to the region’s growing demand for animal protein.
In a detailed statement, JBS outlined its intentions for the new facilities: three factories will focus on poultry, two on beef production, and one on pork. The initiative aims to enhance market presence, improve operational efficiency, and drive innovation in the food production sector. This large-scale investment is expected to create opportunities for investors and meet the rising demand for protein in Nigeria and beyond.
However, the announcement has sparked criticism from food and climate advocacy groups. Hakeem Jimo, director of ProVeg Nigeria, strongly opposed the move, arguing that such investments prioritize feed agriculture over food production for local populations. “We can feed seven times more people with plant-protein-rich foods than inefficient animal protein,” Jimo said. He also highlighted concerns over biosecurity risks, deforestation, and increased greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions linked to large-scale animal farming.
The criticism extends to Nigeria’s climate commitments on the global stage. Jimo pointed out that the MoU contradicts Nigeria’s pledge at the UN Climate Summit (COP29) to factor GHG emissions into food production costs. Livestock farming, which accounts for the highest GHG emissions in the food sector, poses a significant challenge to meeting these climate goals.
Aline Baroni, director of ProVeg Brazil, echoed these concerns, noting the environmental and health risks of intensive animal agriculture. “These operations increase the likelihood of zoonotic diseases like bird flu, pollute waterways, and threaten biodiversity,” Baroni said. She further emphasized that livestock farming contributes to 32% of global methane emissions, a potent greenhouse gas.
ProVeg advocates for a shift toward plant-based diets as a sustainable solution. “Animal agriculture is responsible for up to 20% of carbon emissions,” Baroni added. “Investing in plant-rich diets and alternative proteins is crucial to reducing emissions and fostering a more sustainable food system.” The debate underscores the broader tension between economic development and environmental responsibility in food production.
