JBS $2.5bn Livestock Deal: Civil Society Demands MoU Disclosure, Impact Assessment

By: Michael Mike

A coalition of Nigerian civil society organisations, farmers’ and pastoralist groups, and youth, women, environmental and animal-welfare organisations has demanded full disclosure of the Federal Government’s proposed $2.5 billion investment deal with global meat company, JBS, warning that decisions being taken behind closed doors could reshape Nigeria’s land, water and food systems.

The coalition made the demand at the end of a three-day strategy workshop on JBS engagement and industrial livestock expansion held in Abuja from September 22 to 24, 2026.

The groups said the proposed investment, which would establish six industrial meat-processing facilities across Nigeria, was linked to the Federal Government’s National Livestock Transformation Plan and the Nigeria Livestock Master Plan 2026–2040.

They said nearly two years after the Federal Government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with JBS, the agreement had yet to be made public, while no Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) relating to the project had been published.

The coalition said it was not opposed to agricultural investment but insisted that an investment capable of transforming the country’s livestock and food systems must be transparent, accountable and subject to meaningful participation by affected communities.

It expressed concern over the lack of public access to the project’s financing arrangements, environmental and social assessments, land allocation agreements, incentive packages and records of consultations with communities.

According to the coalition, the headline figure of $2.5 billion may be publicly known, but the lender terms, allocation of funds and beneficial ownership of private investment vehicles involved in the project remain undisclosed.

The groups further said Freedom of Information requests submitted to the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, the Ogun State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security and the Niger State Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries seeking the MoU, related agreements, ESIAs and records of engagement with JBS had not been honoured.

The coalition warned that without access to such information, Nigerians could not determine whether public land and resources were being committed in ways that primarily benefit private interests.

It said it would pursue lawful avenues available under the Freedom of Information Act 2011 to secure disclosure.

Of particular concern to the coalition were communities in Niger State, which it said were at the frontline of the livestock expansion and had reported grievances relating to land acquisition, including resettlement issues, unfulfilled promises and access to water.

The groups also expressed solidarity with communities in Niger and Ogun states, saying their rights must be protected as the industrial livestock expansion proceeds.

They called for comprehensive and independent environmental and social impact assessments covering the cumulative effects of the proposed development on land, water and ecosystems before any further land allocation, approval or construction.

The coalition also demanded genuine consultation with farmers, pastoralists, women, youth and civil society, including what it described as the free, prior and informed consent of affected communities.

It urged the Federal Government to disclose all agreements and contracts connected to the JBS investment, as well as land allocation arrangements, incentives, financing terms and the beneficial ownership of private investment vehicles involved.

The coalition further called for enforceable safeguards to protect smallholder farmers and pastoralists’ access to land and markets, waterways and groundwater, while also addressing animal welfare and public health concerns.

It said the livestock reforms must be implemented in a manner consistent with Nigeria’s commitments on climate change, biodiversity and open government, including transparent budgets, grievance mechanisms and independent monitoring involving civil society.

The groups said Nigeria already had functioning food systems supported by pastoralists, smallholder farmers and traditional producers, arguing that these systems should be strengthened rather than displaced by industrial expansion.

They also urged greater investment in agroecology, indigenous seeds and resilient local food systems that could strengthen the livelihoods of farmers and pastoralists.

The coalition raised concerns about JBS’s international record, citing what it described as links between the company’s supply chain and deforestation in Brazil, as well as allegations concerning labour and land rights.

It also referred to what it said was the company’s recent removal of explicit protections for Indigenous peoples and land rights from its human rights policy and its abandonment of its Net Zero 2040 climate and zero-deforestation pledges.

The coalition further pointed to Australia, where JBS entered the meat-processing sector in 2007, saying the Nigerian government should draw lessons from that experience as it considers the proposed investment.

The groups argued that increased production alone should not be equated with food security, stressing that the distribution of benefits, control of resources and protection of farmers, communities, animals and ecosystems were also critical.

They said the proposed investment must therefore be assessed not only in terms of its promised capital injection and industrial capacity, but also its implications for the people and natural resources underpinning Nigeria’s food system.

“Transparency is not optional. It is the foundation of food security,” the coalition said, insisting that Nigeria’s food future must be built on public accountability, food sovereignty, environmental integrity and the voices of the people who produce the nation’s food.

The coalition said Nigeria had the benefit of hindsight from other countries and urged the government to ensure that agreements capable of transforming the country’s food system were not concluded behind closed doors.

It maintained that affected communities must be heard before, rather than after, decisions concerning their land, water and livelihoods are taken.

JBS $2.5bn Livestock Deal: Civil Society Demands MoU Disclosure, Impact Assessment

Ogwashi-Uku Elects New Youth Executive Members, As Youth Commissioner Urges Peace

In a peaceful and well-coordinated exercise, Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom in Aniocha South Local Government Area of Delta State has elected a new set of youth executives to pilot the affairs of the Ogwashi-Uku Community Youth Association for the next tenure.

Mr. Bobby Ugba emerged as the President of the Ogwashi-Uku Community Youth after a transparent and credible election process that was widely accepted by stakeholders.

The historic election was held at the revered Obi’s Royal Palace, Ogwashi-Uku, Delta State, and was conducted in an atmosphere of peace, unity and brotherhood.

The election was witnessed by the Delta State Commissioner for Youth Development, Barr. Oyinkuro Brave Enodeh, in company of top officials and staff of the Ministry of Youth Development.

Also present to witness the election were Prince Onyema Okonjo, Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Delta State Governor, Mr Ossai Ovie Success, Mr Ojighodovwan Emmanuel, Mr Okeleke Peter Ebuka Petrokem ,palace chiefs, youth leaders, and other critical stakeholders of the kingdom.

Addressing the mammoth crowd of youths and community leaders, the Commissioner for Youth Development, Barr. Brave Enodeh, commended the Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom for conducting a peaceful election and for maintaining law and order over the years.

He reiterated the commitment of the Governor Sheriff Oborevwori-led administration to youth development, empowerment and inclusion in governance.

“I am one of you. I stand with you. My responsibility is to ensure that every youth is happy and is well taken care of. My duty is to see that youths are progressive.

“I am happy that the Obi invited me to witness the Ogwashi-Uku youth election. Every youth body must be registered with the Ministry of Youth Development.
This youth election is legal, the Ogwashi-Uku Town Youth Association has fulfilled all their requirements with the ministry. The youth body is of good character.

“We are already in the heat of campaign. As we approach the 2027 general election, all we want is for you all to support the Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, the President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu and all APC candidates.
Voting for them is voting for a better future.”

He continued: “As a youth, be good ambassadors of the kingdom and the state, and avoid violence.Embrace peace building and community development.”

Barr. Brave also urged the newly elected executives to be inclusive, transparent and to carry all youths along irrespective of political affiliation, stressing that youth leadership is about service and not personal gain.

Speaking on behalf of the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku, His Royal Majesty Obi Ifechukwude Aninshi Okonjo II, Prince Onyema Okonjo welcomed the Commissioner and his entourage to the kingdom.

“On behalf of the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku, we welcome you to Ogwashi-Uku. We are deeply touched. Your visit today shows that the Delta State Government takes Ogwashi-Uku seriously.

“Ogwashi-Uku is your home. The youths over the years have been law-abiding and they will continue to be law-abiding. The palace will continue to support any initiative that will promote peace and development in our kingdom.”

Prince Okonjo commended Governor Oborevwori for his youth-friendly policies and for appointing a vibrant youth commissioner who understands the challenges of young people.

In his valedictory remarks, the outgoing President of the Ogwashi-Uku Youth Association, Comrade Stanley Chiedu, expressed gratitude to the Delta State Government, the Obi-in-Council and the youths of Ogwashi-Uku for their support during his tenure.

He said: “The youths are grateful to the Delta State Government for graciously witnessing this election. We appreciate the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku for providing a level playing ground.

“The youths of Ogwashi-Uku will do everything possible to ensure there is harmony in Ogwashi-Uku. We will support the new executives to succeed.”

He urged the incoming administration to prioritize peace building, skill acquisition and unity of the kingdom.

In his acceptance speech, the newly elected President, Mr. Bobby Ugba, thanked the youths for the confidence reposed in him and promised to run an inclusive and result-oriented administration.

He pledged to work closely with the Obi’s Palace, the Delta State Government, and security agencies to maintain peace and to attract youth empowerment programmes to the kingdom.

The Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Delta State Governor, Mr Ossai Ovie Success, and Mr. Ojighodovwan Emmanuel congratulated the newly elected executives and charged them to be worthy ambassadors of Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom.

They described the election as a model for other youth bodies in the state, noting that the Oborevwori administration is committed to building a new Delta where youths are productive and law-abiding.

The election ended with prayers for the peace and progress of Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom and Delta State at large.

Ogwashi-Uku Elects New Youth Executive Members, As Youth Commissioner Urges Peace

NHRC builds capacity of Gombe MDAs on human rights protection

By Elizabeth Ogunjobi

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), in collaboration with Viva Atlantic Limited, has organised a two-day workshop for Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) in Gombe State to strengthen human rights protection.

Dr Tony Ojukwu, Executive Secretary of NHRC, said at the event in Gombe on Thursday that the training aimed to enlighten MDA officials on their roles in promoting human rights effectively.

The theme of the training was: “Implementation of the National Action Plan (NAP) for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights in Nigeria 2024-2028,” focusing on institutional responsibility across government agencies.

Ojukwu, represented by Dr Joseph Wanshe, the Gombe State coordinator, said participation by MDAs remained key to the successful implementation of the NAP and promotion of human rights across government.

He described the NAP as a national framework whose implementation should not be reserved for NHRC, but should be a collective responsibility involving all relevant stakeholders across government and society.

He said the training was also designed to ensure that a human rights-based approach became part of government planning, policy formulation, budgeting, regulation, programme implementation, service delivery, monitoring and evaluation processes.

“The 2024-2028 NAP provides us with the opportunity to move from commitment to implementation, from policies to measurable results, from the institutional responsibility to institutional accountability.

“Your participation is significant because the successful implementation of this NAP depends to a very large extent on the ownership and commitment of MDAs in government.

“The question before us is no longer simply whether we support human rights. The question is what each MDA is doing to advance and protect human rights within its mandate.

“The success of the NAP must be measured by the difference that Nigerians experience in their everyday lives.

“Behind every policy, behind every person, behind every government programme is a citizen whose rights may be affected by the decision that we make.

“Our collective responsibility, therefore, is to ensure that Nigerians within our jurisdiction as MDAs can enjoy their rights without discrimination and with effective access to justice and remedies,” he said.

Ojukwu urged participants to remain committed to NAP implementation, so that “we can transform the NAP from a policy document into a living instrument of governance for the promotion and protection of human rights in Nigeria.”

Some participants who spoke to newsmen pledged commitment to mainstreaming human rights into their institutional processes and working with the commission to entrench a culture of human rights in the state.

Mrs Rebecca Bature, Manager, News, Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Gombe, and Mr Daniel Salihu, Assistant Director and Head of Civic Values and Democracy Education, National Orientation Agency, commended NHRC for training.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 35 officials drawn from different MDAs in Gombe State participated in the two-day training on human rights and NAP implementation.

NHRC builds capacity of Gombe MDAs on human rights protection