In a major move to fight food poverty and enhance Nigeria’s agricultural infrastructure, JBS, the biggest chicken manufacturer in the world, announced plans to build three poultry facilities there. A memorandum of understanding (MoU) to construct six facilities—three chicken plants, two beef plants, and one port plant—was signed on November 21 by JBS and the Nigerian government. The goal of this five-year, $2.5 billion strategy is to boost Nigeria’s production capacity and establish sustainable food supply chains.
The MoU provides a thorough investment path, with JBS agreeing to conduct feasibility studies, design preliminary projects, estimate budgets, and create a detailed action plan for supply chain development. As part of the agreement, the Nigerian government has agreed to create a suitable economic, hygienic, and regulatory environment to ensure the project’s success. This collaboration intends to solve crucial issues in Nigeria, such as food insecurity, while drawing on JBS’s global expertise in sustainable food production.
JBS Global CEO Gilberto Tomazoni emphasized the company’s commitment to fostering socio-economic progress in Nigeria through sustainable agricultural practices. “Our goal is to establish a strong partnership and support Nigeria in addressing food insecurity,” Tomazoni stated. He highlighted that JBS’s experience in building sustainable food production chains worldwide has demonstrated the transformative potential of such initiatives, particularly for vulnerable communities. This project aligns with JBS’s broader mission to create a virtuous cycle of development by combining economic growth with social impact.
The construction of the three poultry plants is especially significant given Nigeria’s growing population and persistent food insecurity. According to projections from the United Nations, Nigeria’s population is set to rise substantially in the coming decades, increasing the demand for reliable and affordable food sources. JBS’s investment aims to strengthen Nigeria’s agricultural sector by establishing robust local supply chains, supporting small producers, and encouraging the adoption of sustainable farming methods. This approach mirrors the company’s successful strategies in other regions, where partnerships with thousands of local producers have resulted in increased efficiency and productivity.
JBS will work closely with the Nigerian government to carry out the National Food Security Plan as part of this endeavor. By utilizing best practices from JBS’s worldwide operations, this partnership aims to capitalize on the company’s experience in creating sustainable agro-industrial supply chains. JBS wants to establish Nigeria as an African leader in food production and supply chain management by increasing productivity and efficiency.
The poultry plants will play a pivotal role in the overall strategy by addressing the demand for protein-rich food in Nigeria. As the world’s largest poultry producer, JBS brings extensive experience to this project. According to the WATTPoultry.com Top Companies Database, the company produced approximately 4.44 million broilers last year across its operations, which include brands such as Seara, Pilgrim’s Pride, Pilgrim’s de Mexico, and Moy Park. Headquartered in Brazil, JBS operates on six continents, making it uniquely positioned to drive significant advancements in Nigeria’s poultry industry.
In addition to economic benefits, the initiative is projected to help create jobs and improve capacity in Nigeria. JBS seeks to create long-term value for the local economy through investments in infrastructure and human resources. This collaboration is a critical step toward addressing global challenges such as food security while also fostering sustainable development in one of Africa’s greatest economies. As the project progresses, it promises to transform Nigeria’s agricultural environment, establishing a model for international cooperation in combating food insecurity.
