‘Experts Warn Of Corporate Invasion As JBS Eyes Nigeria’s Food System’ 23 October 2025

Experts, environmentalists, and food sovereignty advocates are sounding the alarm over what they describe as “a corporate invasion” of Nigeria’s food system. The warning came during a one-day media training on industrial animal farming reporting, jointly organized by the Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF) and Environmental Rights Action (ERA) in collaboration with the Youth in Agroecology and Restoration Network (YAAR) and the HEDA Resource Centre. The training, aimed at equipping journalists with the knowledge to report on the environmental, social, and economic impacts of industrial agriculture, also exposed growing concerns about the encroachment of multinational corporations into Nigeria’s food production systems particularly the $2.5 billion investment deal reportedly involving Brazilian meat giant JBS S.A.

… “Behind the glossy promises lies a model that could fundamentally undermine Nigeria’s food sovereignty,” she warned. “JBS comes with a reputation, from deforestation in the Amazon to water pollution and human rights violations. This is not the kind of investment Nigeria should welcome without scrutiny.” The experts cited a recent study coordinated by civil society groups including HEDA Resource Centre, which revealed how industrial farming operations in several Nigerian communities have led to pollution, land loss, and health challenges. According to the findings, 60 percent of respondents reported losing farmland to industrial agriculture projects, 76.7 percent suffered air pollution, and 63.3 percent experienced water contamination linked to nearby factory operations.

… The organizers urged journalists to play an active role in holding both government and corporations accountable through investigative, evidence-based reporting. They emphasized that a well-informed media can shape public understanding and influence policies that protect communities and the environment. Experts at the training also called on the Federal Government to subject the JBS deal and similar projects to independent environmental and social impact assessments, ensure fair land compensation, and promote inclusive agricultural policies that protect smallholder farmers, women, and youth.