Groups Demand Suspension of $2.5bn JSB Livestock Project

A coalition of civil society organizations, farmers' groups, and advocates has urged the Nigerian federal government to suspend the proposed $2.5 billion investment by Brazilian meat giant JSB to establish six industrial livestock facilities across the country. This call was made during a press conference and sensitization rally in Abeokuta.

Seyi Olawuyi, the program manager of the Youth in Agroecology and Restoration Network, expressed concerns regarding the project's implications for food sovereignty, environmental sustainability, public health, rural livelihoods, and land rights. The coalition highlighted the potential risks of large-scale industrial livestock production, including pressure on agricultural land and smallholder farmers.

They also raised issues regarding Niger State's reported allocation of approximately 1.2 million hectares of land for the project, questioning its impact on land governance and community rights. The coalition criticized the lack of transparency and the absence of comprehensive environmental and social impact assessments, alleging that relevant authorities have not responded to Freedom of Information requests regarding project details.