A coalition of civil society organisations has urged the Federal Government to suspend the proposed $2.5 billion industrial livestock investment by Brazilian meat company JBS.

The groups want the project agreement and other key documents made public before any further steps are taken.

The appeal was made on Tuesday during a sensitisation rally in Ibadan, Oyo State. Speaking on behalf of the coalition, Seyi Olawuyi of the Youth in Agroecology and Restoration Network and Adebukola Adekola of Whole Planet Initiative said Nigerians have a right to know the terms of such a large investment.

The groups expressed concern that the plan to establish six industrial livestock facilities could affect land use, food systems, the environment and the livelihoods of rural communities. They warned that large-scale industrial animal farming poses risks to food sovereignty, public health and the millions of smallholder farmers who produce most of Nigeria’s food.

According to the coalition, international investigations have linked JBS and similar companies to deforestation, high greenhouse gas emissions and labour concerns in other countries. They also noted that Niger State had reportedly pledged about 1.2 million hectares of land for livestock investment.

The organisations called on the Federal Government and participating states to publish the memorandum of understanding, conduct proper environmental and social impact assessments, and consult farmers and host communities before proceeding.

They stressed that they are not against agricultural investment but want the process to be transparent and aligned with Nigeria’s food security needs.