Civil Society Groups Sound Alarm Over Industrial Farming Agreement
Civil Society Organizations across Nigeria are raising serious concerns about the Federal Government's $2.5 billion memorandum of understanding with Brazilian agricultural giant JBS. The deal, signed in November 2024, has prompted calls for greater transparency and inclusion of local stakeholders during implementation.
The concerns emerged during a one-day Northern Regional Workshop held in Minna on Tuesday, November 11, 2025. The event, themed "Implications of Industrial Animal Farming in Nigeria," brought together diverse stakeholders including government representatives, academic experts, environmental groups, and local farming communities.
Massive Investment Plan Under Scrutiny
During the workshop, Prince Olawuyi Seyi, Programme Manager of Youth in Agroecology and Restoration Network (YARN), revealed critical details about the JBS agreement. The Brazilian company has committed to a five-year investment plan worth $2.5 billion that includes constructing six major facilities across Nigeria.
The planned infrastructure comprises three poultry plants, two beef processing plants, and one port facility. According to Seyi, Ogun State has been identified as a key investment hub due to its strategic location, while Niger State has committed an astonishing 1.2 million hectares of land for the project.
"We are expecting that after the workshop, people will know what's on the ground," Seyi explained. "It would not be a one-man fight. All of us will be on the same page."
Transparency Concerns and Environmental Worries
One of the most pressing issues raised was the lack of public access to the actual MOU document. Seyi expressed frustration, stating, "Actually, we don't know the content of the MOU the federal government signed with JBS. We tried to ask the government to give us the document."
Adesuwa James, representing Environmental Rights Action, highlighted JBS's controversial track record in other countries. "JBS had issues with court cases in other countries where they have operated," she noted, pointing to the company's history in the United States, Canada, and Australia.
James questioned Nigeria's regulatory preparedness, asking, "Do we in Nigeria have the same stringent laws to help us safeguard our environment and the livelihoods of rural farmers and smallholder farmers?"
Government Position and Community Impact
From the government's perspective, Dr. Mohammed Baba, Director of Animal Production in Niger State's Ministry of Livestock, defended the state's approach. He revealed that the Niger State Government had met with JBS representatives at least three times and conducted thorough assessments.
"Samples of animals they have, what we have on the ground have been assessed, and by impression, we are good to go," Dr. Baba stated. He assured that people's interests must be protected and emphasized the state government's extensive sensitization efforts involving traditional rulers and local farming communities.
Importantly, Dr. Baba clarified that initially, JBS would only utilize 500 hectares of land within Tagwai Dam in Bosso Local Council, significantly less than the total land committed.
Balancing Development and Protection
Adama Aliyu from the Ministry of Justice in Niger State offered a balanced perspective, acknowledging that "investment is good for Niger State and there's no development that comes without sacrifices." However, she stressed the need to "mitigate the impact on local farming communities so that both parties would be happy."
The workshop concluded with participants agreeing on the need for broader awareness campaigns and continued engagement with media to amplify their concerns. The CSOs are advocating for protection of small farmers, environmental safety, and ensuring Nigerians have access to healthy, quality food rather than what they described as "junk in the name of food."
As the implementation of the JBS agreement progresses, the tension between economic development and environmental and social protection continues to shape the conversation around industrial farming in Nigeria.
