As global consumer preferences shift, the halal industry has evolved into a multi‑sector economic powerhouse encompassing finance, pharmaceuticals, and logistics, valued at over $7.7 trillion. Positioning itself to tap into that value chain, the federal government has unveiled a new National Halal Economy Strategy, which officials describe as a blueprint to harness Nigeria's large Muslim population and agricultural capacity. According to the presidency, the initiative aims to establish the regulatory clarity and private‑sector momentum required to transform the country from a latent market into a global player.
African Currents turned to Professor Ibrahim Oreagba, a clinical pharmacologist and executive chairman of the Halal Certification Authority, for insight into Nigeria's national halal strategy and what it will take for the country to compete in the multi-trillion-dollar global halal industry.
"Halal is a global brand, and a lot of people are already attracted to it. I will tell you basically for two reasons. The first has to do with the fact that we [Nigeria and Africa] have a large Muslim population globally, so they will demand halal. And once they demand halal people, they will have to toe that line so that they can make their money. The second reason why a lot of people are attracted to halal has to do with the quality aspect of it, because halal means not only permissible but also means hygienic - wholesome. So for you to be halal certified, you must first of all satisfy some basic quality assurance requirements," Professor Oreagba noted.
Catch the full discussion on the African Currents podcast, presented by Sputnik Africa.
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