NIGERIA: FG Launches National Halal Economy Strategy to Tap $7.7trn Global Market

By Ameenat Hamzat, Lagos, Nigeria 

Nigeria has officially launched a National Halal Economy Strategy aimed at positioning the country to benefit from the $7.7 trillion global halal market, as part of efforts to diversify the economy and stimulate inclusive growth.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, unveiled the strategy on Thursday at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, describing the move as a deliberate step to align Nigeria with global halal standards and unlock new economic opportunities.

The Vice President said the strategy is designed to expand halal-compliant exports, develop pharmaceutical and cosmetic value chains, promote ethical finance, and position Nigeria as a halal-friendly tourism destination, with projected economic gains estimated at over $12 billion.

He said: “It is with this sense of responsibility that I formally unveil the Nigeria National Halal Economy Strategy. This document is a declaration of our promise to meet global standards with Nigerian capacity and to convert opportunity into lasting economic value.

“What follows must be action that is disciplined, inclusive, and measurable, so that this Strategy delivers jobs, exports, and shared prosperity across our nation.”

Shettima stressed that the halal economy should not be viewed strictly through a religious lens, noting that global demand is driven by standards of quality, safety, and ethical production.

“It is no longer defined solely by faith, but by trust, through systems that emphasise quality, traceability, safety, and ethical production… It is within this broader understanding that Nigeria now positions itself.”

He added that many advanced economies have integrated halal certification into their export systems, reinforcing its global commercial relevance.

According to the Vice President, cumulative implementation of the strategy is expected to strengthen food security, deepen industrial capacity, and create opportunities for small and medium enterprises nationwide.

He announced that the strategy committee would be chaired by the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment to ensure coordinated implementation.

“It is going to be chaired by the supremely competent Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment.”

Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment and Chairperson of the National Halal Strategy Committee, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, described the initiative as a public-private collaboration shaped through stakeholder engagement.

“The Halal Strategy has positioned us among countries that export Halal-certified goods across the world.”

She added that Nigeria would leverage the African Continental Free Trade Area to expand halal exports, emphasising that participation remains voluntary.

The strategy was developed in partnership with the Halal Products Development Company of Saudi Arabia and Dar Al Halal Group Nigeria, with technical support from international financial institutions. Officials said the collaboration is expected to improve Nigeria’s access to global halal value chains and attract foreign investment.

The unveiling follows Nigeria’s recent bilateral engagement with Türkiye on halal quality infrastructure, aimed at strengthening certification and international

acceptance of Nigerian products.