CSOs demand access to $2.5bn JBS MoU, warn FG against oil sector mistakes

Civil society organizations (CSOs) in Nigeria are calling on the Federal Government to publicly disclose a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) reportedly signed with Brazilian meat giant JBS. The agreement is for a substantial $2.5 billion investment aimed at establishing six large-scale industrial animal-farming facilities across the country.

Stakeholders, including those from the Youth in Agroecology and Restoration Network (YARN), argue that access to the MoU is crucial for public scrutiny. They aim to identify and mitigate potential environmental, economic, health, and social risks before JBS commences full operations. Oluwaseyi Olayemi, YARN's Director of Consultancy, stressed that while they are not against foreign investment, adequate safeguards are necessary to protect communities and the environment.

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When oil first came, we saw it as a blessing. But due to mismanagement and other factors, it turned into the opposite. What we want to do from the inception here is say, if JBS is coming to Nigeria, we aren’t saying they shouldn’t come, but let us guide them so that what we experienced in the oil sector is not repeated.

Olayemi drew parallels with Nigeria's experience in the oil sector, warning that mismanagement and other factors turned what was seen as a blessing into a curse. "What we want to do from the inception here is say, if JBS is coming to Nigeria, we aren’t saying they shouldn’t come, but let us guide them so that what we experienced in the oil sector is not repeated," he stated.

The CSOs are urging the government to "do the needful" by allowing civil society access to the MoU. They believe that transparency will foster collaboration and help rectify any issues proactively. Furthermore, they called for strict enforcement of Nigeria's environmental and agricultural regulations, ensuring foreign investors comply with national laws and that outdated regulations are reviewed. The organizations have faced conflicting responses from government agencies when attempting to obtain the document, with some referring them to state authorities and others back to federal ministries.

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Our call to the government remains the same: we are not anti-development, but the government needs to do the needful. Let civil society have access to this MoU so that we know what is in it. If we know what is there, part of this problem will automatically be solved, and it will help us work together with the government.