CSOs Demand Public Access to JBS Livestock Investment Agreement

Civil society organisations and other stakeholders have called on the Federal Government to release the Memorandum of Understanding reportedly signed with Brazilian meat-processing company JBS over its proposed 2.5-billion-dollar investment in Nigeria.

The groups said publishing the agreement would allow Nigerians to review its terms and assess possible environmental, economic, health and social effects of the proposed six large-scale livestock facilities.

The demand was made at a workshop organised by the Youth in Agroecology and Restoration Network for civil society groups in the South-West, held in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

YARN Director of Consultancy, Oluwaseyi Olawuyi, said the groups were not against foreign investment but wanted adequate safeguards for communities and the environment.

He said access to the MoU would allow civil society organisations to make recommendations before JBS begins full operations.

The groups also called for strict enforcement of Nigeria’s environmental and agricultural laws and a review of outdated regulations.

Another participant, Basiru Okanlawon, said stakeholders needed accurate information to properly educate affected communities about the proposed investment.

Participants raised concerns over possible land conflicts, displacement, waste, water contamination, air pollution, biodiversity loss and public health risks.

They called for independent Environmental and Social Impact Assessments before approval of large-scale industrial livestock projects.

The participants also urged the government to support agroecology, regenerative agriculture and farmer-led food systems.