Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) are demanding the Federal Government make public the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with JBS, the global meat giant, before the company begins operations in Nigeria. This came during a stakeholders’ workshop assessing the implications of industrial animal farming on Nigeria’s environment and local farmers.
JBS, based in Sao Paulo with a footprint in five continents, is under scrutiny for allegations of environmental harm, labor abuses, and deceptive sustainability claims, notably in Brazil. Ms. Mariann Bassey-Olsson of Environmental Rights Action warned that unchecked entry of JBS in Nigeria risks ecological damage and economic harm to local farmers without due diligence and transparency.
She emphasized the need for a full Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and transparency about the deal, highlighting past multinational ventures that polluted communities and undermined livelihoods. Similarly, Ms. Joyce Brown from HOMEF pointed to potential risks like water pollution, land grabbing, and displacement.
Defending industrial farming’s potential benefits, Dr. Jude Udiandeye of Cross River Ministry urged careful regulation to boost food production. Meanwhile, Mr. Bassey Emogor called for inclusive consultations and fairness in land acquisitions.
JBS’s $2.5 billion investment plans include building six modern meat-processing plants across Nigeria, aiming for sustainable food production and economic growth.
Leave a comment