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Nigeria Launches National Halal Economy Strategy to Tap into $7.7 Trillion Global Market
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday unveiled Nigeria’s National Halal Economy Strategy, a major initiative aimed at positioning the country to capture a share of the rapidly expanding $7.7 trillion global halal market and accelerate economic diversification.
Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the launch event held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, President Tinubu described the strategy as a clear signal of Nigeria’s readiness to compete in this growing sector, which leading nations worldwide have already embraced.
The plan is projected to contribute an estimated $1.5 billion to Nigeria’s GDP by 2027, with cumulative efforts expected to unlock over $12 billion in economic value by 2030.
Vice President Shettima emphasized the need for disciplined, inclusive, and measurable implementation to translate the strategy into tangible benefits, including job creation, increased exports, and shared prosperity nationwide.
“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,” Shettima said. “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 announced that the strategy’s implementation committee will be chaired by the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, whom he described as “supremely competent.
“Key ambitions outlined in the strategy include expanding halal-compliant food exports, building value chains in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, establishing Nigeria as a halal-friendly tourism destination, and scaling up ethical finance initiatives by 2030.
These efforts are expected to enhance food security, strengthen industrial capacity, and open doors for small- and medium-sized enterprises across the country.
Addressing concerns that the halal economy is tied exclusively to religious affiliation, Vice President Shettima clarified that it has evolved into a broader global framework centered on trust, quality, traceability, safety, and ethical production—principles that appeal to consumers, investors, and trading partners worldwide, regardless of faith.
He pointed out that advanced economies such as the United Kingdom, France, Germany, the Netherlands, the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand have integrated halal standards into their export and quality systems, becoming major producers, certifiers, and exporters of halal food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and financial products.
“The halal economy is a global market framework rooted in standards, safety, and consumer trust, not geography or belief,” Shettima noted.
The strategy stems from President Tinubu’s commitment to export diversification, foreign direct investment attraction, and sustainable job creation. It was developed in partnership with the Halal Products Development Company (HPDC)—a subsidiary of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund—alongside Dar Al Halal Group Nigeria, with support from the Islamic Development Bank and the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa.
The collaboration builds on a bilateral agreement signed in February 2025 at the Makkah Halal Forum.
It also aligns with recent diplomatic efforts, including an agreement on halal quality infrastructure signed with Türkiye during President Tinubu’s state visit, aimed at improving standards, certification, and international acceptance of Nigerian halal products.
Minister Oduwole, speaking as the committee chairperson, highlighted the public-private nature of the initiative, involving extensive stakeholder engagement and coordination across government agencies.
She stressed Nigeria’s potential to become a key exporter of halal-certified goods, leveraging the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) for access to African and global markets, with participation remaining voluntary.
Alhaji Muhammadu Dikko Ladan, Chairman and CEO of Dar Al-Halal Group Nigeria, welcomed the collaboration and noted an ongoing export program with the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment to onboard Nigerian companies into the Saudi market and beyond, calling it a landmark opportunity for market access and foreign investment.
The French Ambassador’s representative, Carole Lebreton, expressed France’s interest in supporting Nigeria’s export ambitions in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals, viewing the strategy as a bridge for stronger bilateral socio-economic ties.
The event was attended by key figures including the CEO of the Nigeria Export Promotion Council, Mrs. Nonye Ayeni; Managing Director of the Bank of Industry, Mr. Olasupo Olusi; and other senior officials.
The launch marks a strategic step in Nigeria’s push to integrate into international halal value chains while promoting inclusive economic growth through high-standard, ethical production systems.
News
[For The Record]: Acting IGP Disu Unveils His Plans for NPF, Citizens
The road ahead is not smooth,” he said, emphasising:” there will be resistance and hard choices, but my commitment to transforming this Service into one every citizen can trust will not waver.
•Tunji Disu during his decoration today as Inspector General of police, by President Bola Tinubu on February 25,2026, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The newly appointed Acting Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, on Wednesday formally assumed office, pledging sweeping reforms anchored on professionalism, accountability, and community partnership to restore public confidence in the Nigeria Police Force.
He also acknowledged the contributions of past Inspectors-General, pledging to build on the foundations they laid while steering the force toward reform.
“The road ahead is not smooth,” he said, emphasising:” there will be resistance and hard choices, but my commitment to transforming this Service into one every citizen can trust will not waver.”
Disu took over from his predecessor, Olukayode Egbetokun, during a handover ceremony, declaring that his tenure would be guided by three core pillars: professionalism and modernisation, accountability and integrity, and community partnership and public trust.
He acknowledged that existing challenges within the force, including a trust deficit with communities, outdated systems, resource gaps, and misconduct in some quarters, describe them as “uncomfortable truths” that must be confronted.“These are truths we must face with resolve to reposition the Nigeria Police as a trusted, people-oriented institution,” he said.
Reform Pillars
Disu said the police would embrace intelligence-led policing, forensic investigations, and digital tools, stressing that modern methods—not intimidation or abuse of authority—would define operations.
On accountability, he warned that impunity would no longer be tolerated.
“The badge is a symbol of public trust. Anyone who treats it otherwise will face the full consequences of our disciplinary processes,” he stated, adding that oversight mechanisms would be strengthened and processes made more transparent.
He also emphasised community policing as a philosophy rather than a programme, pledging to deepen engagement with citizens through town halls, markets, schools, and neighbourhood interactions.
Addressing officers, Disu promised to prioritise their welfare and working conditions while demanding integrity, compassion, and courage in service.To citizens, he called for cooperation, urging Nigerians to report crime, engage local officers, and hold the police accountable.
To citizens, he called for cooperation, urging Nigerians to report crime, engage local officers, and hold the police accountable.
“We are not your adversaries. We are your neighbours in uniform, and your safety is the only measure of our success,” he said.
Disu thanked Bola Tinubu for the confidence reposed in him, describing his appointment as a heavy responsibility rather than a moment for celebration.
He also acknowledged the contributions of past Inspectors-General, pledging to build on the foundations they laid while steering the force toward reform.
“The road ahead is not smooth,” he noted. “There will be resistance and hard choices, but my commitment to transforming this Service into one every citizen can trust will not waver.
News
[UPDATED): President Tinubu Decorates Tunji Disu as Acting Inspector General of Police
The ceremony, which took place at the President’s office moments ago, had in attendance National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila, Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, and the immediate past IGP Kayode Egbetokun.
President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday decorated Assistant Inspector-General of Police Tunji Disu with his new rank as the new acting Inspector – General of Police at the State House, Abuja.
The ceremony, which took place at the President’s office moments ago, had in attendance National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila, Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, and the immediate past IGP Kayode Egbetokun.
His appointment came just 48 days before his scheduled retirement on April 13, 2026, when he would have reached the mandatory retirement age of 60 years.
However, under the amended Police Act, which allows Inspectors-General of Police to serve a four year tenure regardless of age, Disu may remain for the next couple of years .
President Tinubu, who pinned the new insignia on Disu’s uniform commended the outgoing IGP Egbetokun for his service to the nation.
The ceremony comes barely 24 hours after Egbetokun submitted his resignation letter to the President on Tuesday, citing family issues that require his undivided attention.
Disu arrived alongside his family members for his decoration to the new rank of the Inspector-General
Disu, until his appointment on Tuesday, was an Assistant Inspector-General of Police, AIG in-charge of Force Criminal Investigation Department, FCID, Alagbon.
The former IGP, Kayode Egbetokun, reportedly tendered letter of his resignation the previous day citing pressing family considerations.
President Tinubu expressed his profound appreciation for his decades of distinguished service to the Nigeria Police Force and the nation.
News
Explosions rocks cement -ladened trailers on Zamfara highway
It was learned that the Improvised Explosive Device (IED), planted on the highway by suspected bandits exploded as the trailer stepped on it.
The Police in Zamfara State have confirmed that an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) along the Funtua-Gusau highway blew up a trailer carrying cement.
The incident occurred on Wednesday at Ungwar Mai Chida and caused a traffic gridlock on the highway.
It was learned that the Improvised Explosive Device (IED), planted on the highway by suspected bandits exploded as the trailer stepped on it.
The ill-fated truck was from Kaduna heading to Sokoto. Not a life was lost as the driver of the truck who sustained injuries, was reportedly rescued alive.
A resident said that the explosion occurred just hours after a combined team of police and military operatives had cleared and reopened the Kucheri–Danjibga–Keta road in the Tsafe local government area.
The road in question has been impassable for over a month due to an IED that was planted by criminal elements.
Commissioner of Police in the State, CP Ibrahim Maikaba, said that combined tactical teams of the Police and Military, particularly the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) units, successfully detected and detonated multiple IEDs along the Kucheri–Danjibga–Keta axis.
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