President Bola Tinubu, has launched Nigeria’s National Halal Economy Strategy aimed at positioning the country to tap into the $7.7 trillion global halal market and diversify its economy.
The President, who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the event, described the unveiling of the strategy as a signal of Nigeria’s readiness to join the world in grabbing a huge chunk of the global halal economy already embraced by leading nations.
He adds that the move clearly defines the nation’s direction within the market expected to add an estimated $1.5 billion to Nigeria’s GDP by 2027.
Speaking on Thursday when he unveiled the Nigeria National Halal Economy Strategy at Presidential Villa, Abuja, President Tinubu called for disciplined, inclusive, and measurable action for the strategy to deliver jobs, and shared prosperity across the country.
“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,” he stated.
Clear Ambitions
The President outlined what he described as clear and measurable ambitions set by the Strategy, including “expanding halal-compliant food exports, developing pharmaceutical and cosmetic value chains, positioning Nigeria as a halal-friendly tourism destination, and mobilising ethical finance at scale,” by 2030.
The cumulative efforts, according to him, “are projected to unlock over twelve billion dollars in economic value, while strengthening food security, deepening industrial capacity, and creating opportunities for small-and-medium-sized enterprises across our states.”
Religious Affiliation
Allaying concerns by those linking the halal with religious affiliation, VP Shettima pointed out that the global halal economy has since outgrown parochial interpretations.
He said, “It is no longer defined solely by faith, but by trust, through systems that emphasize quality, traceability, safety, and ethical production. These principles resonate far beyond any single community.
“They speak to consumers, investors, and trading partners who increasingly demand certainty in how goods are produced, financed, and delivered. It is within this broader understanding that Nigeria now positions itself.”
He listed developed countries, including the United Kingdom, France, Germany, the Netherlands, the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, saying they are currently among leading producers, certifiers, and exporters of halal food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and financial products.
The Nigerian Leader noted that what these developed nations have experienced is a confirmation of a simple truth, that “the halal economy is a global market framework rooted in standards, safety, and consumer trust, not geography or belief.”
He explained that while the Nigeria National Halal Economy Strategy is the result of careful study and sober reflection, it was inspired by the commitment of the current administration to diversify exports, attract foreign direct investment, and create sustainable jobs across the federation.
“It is also the product of deliberate partnership, developed with the Halal Products Development Company, a subsidiary of the Saudi Public Investment Fund, alongside Dar Al Halal Group Nigeria, with technical backing from institutions such as the Islamic Development Bank and the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa,” he added.
Collaboration
Commenting on the unveiling, Chairperson of the National Halal Strategy Committee and Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, said the launch of the Nigeria National Halal Strategy by the President is a public-private collaboration that has involved extensive interaction with stakeholders.
She noted that the private sector led the charge in ensuring that it is a whole-of-government and whole-of-country intervention, with the Office of the Vice President coordinating all ministries, departments, and agencies, while the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment played a pivotal role.
The minister stressed that what the Halal Strategy has done for Nigeria is to position Nigeria among countries that export Halal-certified goods across the world.
“We are going to leverage the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to ensure we export our Halal-friendly goods to the rest of Africa and beyond to any willing markets; participation is voluntary,” she added, assuring that as chairperson, her ministry would deliver on the objectives of the strategy for the prosperity of the nation.
The Chairman of Dar Al-Halal Group Nigeria Limited, Alhaji Muhammadu Ladan, expressed satisfaction that the Halal Product Development Company collaborated with the group in developing the National Halal Economy Strategy.
He added that, in addition to the strategy, an export programme is underway involving the Ministry of Trade and Investment, through which Nigerian companies can be on boarded into the Saudi Arabian market and beyond.
The French Ambassador to Nigeria, Marc Fonbaustier, represented by Carole Lebreton, Financial Counsellor at the French Embassy in Nigeria, said the Halal Strategy is also key to Nigeria–France relations, as the French government explores more ways to build socio-economic bridges with Nigeria.
She said the French government stands ready to support Nigeria’s export drive, especially in the areas of food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.