Civil society organisations (CSOs) have urged the Federal Government to make public the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) it signed with JBS S.A., a Brazilian livestock company, over a $2.5 billion investment in Nigeria’s meat industry.

At a stakeholders’ workshop in Abuja, the CSOs expressed concern that the agreement, which includes plans to establish six modern meat-processing plants across the country, has not been disclosed to the public. They warned that secrecy around the deal could lead to environmental risks, land grabbing, and the displacement of smallholder farmers.

The groups demanded that the government release the full details of the MoU and conduct Environmental and Social Impact Assessments before implementation.

“The public has a right to know the terms of this deal and how it will affect local communities,” one participant said.

Government officials have defended the partnership as a move to boost food security, create jobs, and attract foreign investment. However, the CSOs called for strong oversight and transparency, citing JBS’s controversial environmental record abroad.

Some groups also urged the government to suspend the project until all accountability and community consultation measures are met.