The Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has expressed the state’s readiness to partner with Brazilian food giant Jose Batista Sobrinho (JBS), the world’s largest protein producer and second-largest food company.
The governor made this announcement during a meeting with Aisha Rimi, Managing Director of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), and JBS representatives Fabio Maia, Director of International Operations, and Osorio Dal Bello, a poultry and swine department executive, at his office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
Governor Abiodun emphasized that Ogun State provides the ideal environment for global companies like JBS to thrive, highlighting the state’s role as a hub for blue-chip companies such as Nestlé, Olam, Cadbury, and May & Baker.
He underscored the state’s commitment to fostering agro-industrial growth, citing the establishment of a livestock production zone and an agro-processing area equipped with a special agro-airport for exporting perishable goods.
He further noted that the state leads in the development of agro-processing zones under the Federal Government’s initiative, adding that Ogun processes a significant share of the cattle slaughtered in Lagos State, with daily numbers ranging from 10,000 to 15,000.
Commending JBS for its achievements, Abiodun highlighted the company’s dominance in global beef, pork, and chicken markets, describing the potential partnership as a transformative opportunity for both parties.
JBS representatives revealed plans to invest $2.5 million in Nigeria, including the establishment of three chicken plants, two cattle plants, and one swine plant.
Fabio Maia lauded the business-friendly environment in Ogun State and cited the rapid growth of industries along the Abeokuta-Sagamu expressway as evidence of the state’s potential.
The visit follows a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent trip to Brazil, where the Federal Government and JBS agreed to collaborate on livestock production.
NIPC Managing Director Aisha Rimi stated that JBS is conducting a feasibility study and project development plan as part of this collaboration.
Governor Abiodun expressed optimism about the partnership, reiterating Ogun State’s readiness to welcome JBS and provide an ecosystem conducive to sustainable agricultural and industrial development.