The Traffic

"Tinubu’s Bold Plan: How Livestock Investment Could End Farmer-Herder Conflicts and Hunger in Nigeria"

By Achimi Muktar

President Bola Tinubu has unveiled an ambitious strategy to transform Nigeria’s livestock sector into a powerhouse of economic opportunity and social harmony. Speaking on Thursday in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Tinubu emphasized that international and local investments in livestock could be the key to resolving farmer-herder conflicts, eradicating hunger, and driving national prosperity.

At the heart of his remarks was the signing of a Letter of Intent between Nigeria and JBS S.A., one of the world’s largest meat processing companies, marking a significant step toward modernizing the country’s agricultural value chain.

A Vision of Transformation

Tinubu painted a compelling picture of how livestock investments could turn long-standing challenges into opportunities for growth and peace.

“What we are doing right now is solving a problem that has afflicted humanity in that part of Africa—clashes between farmers and migrating cattle that have caused loss of life and bloodshed—when there is a modern, civilized way to address these issues and even create a successful economy from them,” the President explained.

“We are trying to turn a situation of tragedy and hopelessness into economic opportunity, to see through problems and recognize the potential they hold,” he added.

The $2.5 Billion Opportunity

President Tinubu urged JBS S.A. to recognize the immense potential in Nigeria’s livestock sector, highlighting the country’s large population and $2.5 billion livestock market as untapped gold mines. He emphasized the critical role JBS’s global expertise could play in addressing food security and boosting the local economy.

“We’ve heard so much about your reputation, and we believe in the partnership we are forging today,” Tinubu said. “Food security is extremely important. As we speak, there is hunger. However, there is also great hope, and you are one of those hopes that we are looking at.”

Tinubu’s message to JBS was clear: Nigeria is open for business and ready to offer a substantial return on investment to companies willing to collaborate in transforming its agricultural landscape.

A Modern Solution to Age-Old Conflicts

The President’s remarks underscored the importance of leveraging technology and international expertise to resolve farmer-herder conflicts, which have long plagued parts of Nigeria. Tinubu’s plan seeks to introduce innovative approaches to livestock management that prioritize harmony, productivity, and sustainability.

By focusing on livestock as a key driver of agricultural growth, the administration aims to reduce poverty, create jobs, and promote peaceful coexistence between communities.

Strategic Partnerships and Global Outreach

Before his Brazil trip, Tinubu had dispatched a team of Nigerian officials and private sector leaders to the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Rio and on a study tour of São Paulo. Their mission: to explore opportunities in livestock development, meat processing, and seed production for grains crucial to Nigeria’s food security.

This move reflects Tinubu’s commitment to integrating global best practices into Nigeria’s agricultural framework while attracting foreign investment.

Turning Hope into Reality

Tinubu’s bold vision has sparked optimism about the potential of Nigeria’s livestock sector to address critical issues like hunger, poverty, and conflict. However, the real challenge lies in translating these plans into action.

As the partnership with JBS S.A. takes shape, Nigerians will be watching closely to see how this initiative delivers on its promise to transform lives and build a more prosperous nation.

The President’s message is unmistakable: with the right investments and partnerships, Nigeria’s livestock sector could become a beacon of hope for a brighter, more peaceful future.