Nigeria Taps Into $7.7trn Global Halal Market As FG Launches National Economy Strategy

Says it’ll unlock $12bn economic value for Nigeria, position the nation as halal-friendly tourism destination

Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment to Chair Strategy Committee

By: Our Reporter

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, represented by Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, 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.

He 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, as well as to clearly define the nation’s direction within the market expected to add an estimated $1.5 billion to the nation’s GDP by 2027.

Speaking on Thursday when he unveiled the Nigeria National Halal Economy Strategy at Presidential Villa, Abuja, Senator Shettima 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.

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

The Vice 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.”

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 emphasise 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.”

Many advanced Western economies, the Vice President noted, have since “recognised the commercial and ethical appeal of the halal economy and have integrated it into their export and quality-assurance systems.”

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 VP 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 administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu “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.

Recall that President Tinubu’s recent state visit to the Republic of Türkiye further reinforces Nigeria’s commitment to developing a globally competitive halal ecosystem.

A major outcome of that visit was the signing of an Agreement in the Field of Halal Quality Infrastructure between Nigeria and Türkiye, aimed at strengthening standards, accreditation, certification, and quality assurance systems to enhanc mome international acceptance of Nigerian halal products and services.

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 Vice 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 us 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.

Earlier, the Chairman and CEO of Dar Al-Halal Group Nigeria Limited, Alhaji Muhammadu Dikko 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 onboarded into the Saudi Arabian market and beyond.

Ladan described the Strategy as a landmark opportunity for Nigeria as it creates market access and attracts foreign direct investment.

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.

The Nigerian delegation at the unveiling included the CEO of the Nigeria Export Promotion Council, Mrs Nonye Ayeni; Managing Director of the Bank of Industry, Mr Olasupo Olusi, and Special Adviser to the President on Job Creation and MSMEs, Temitola Adekunle Johnson, among others.

Developed by the Halal Products Development Company (HPDC) of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia — a wholly owned subsidiary of the Saudi Public Investment Fund — the Strategy is an outcome of the bilateral cooperation agreement signed between Nigeria and HPDC in February 2025 at the Makkah Halal Forum.

The collaboration seeks to deepen Nigeria–Saudi Arabia economic relations while leveraging HPDC’s global reach to attract investment, improve market access, and integrate Nigeria into international halal value chains.

Nigeria Taps Into $7.7trn Global Halal Market As FG Launches National Economy Strategy

NIS: Corruption Poses Existential Threat to National Security, Economic Development, Nigeria’s International Standing

By: Michael Mike

The Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Kemi Nandap has identified corruption as a serious threat to national security, economic development, and Nigeria’s global reputation.

Speaking in Abuja on Thursday at the inauguration ceremony of the NIS Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) Desk Officers for formations and commands across the country, Nandap noted that the fight against corruption is inseparable from effective border management.

The inauguration marks a major step toward deepening institutional integrity and accountability in NIS and underscored the Service’s resolve to embed ethical governance at all operational levels through a decentralized and preventive anti-corruption structure.

Speaking at the event, the Comptroller General described the deployment of ACTU Desk Officers as a strategic shift from a largely centralized and reactive approach to a grassroots-driven framework aimed at preventing misconduct and shaping organisational culture.

She emphasized that the Nigeria Immigration Service, as a key agency responsible for border governance and migration management, must uphold the highest standards of professionalism, transparency, and accountability.

She said: “Today marks a deliberate and consequential milestone in our collective resolve to strengthen institutional integrity, transparency, and operational excellence within the Nigeria Immigration Service. We are gathered not merely to inaugurate officers, but to entrench a proactive, grassroots framework for ethical governance through the deployment of Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) Desk Officers across all formations of the Service.

“The Nigeria Immigration Service stands as a critical sentinel at our nation’s gateways. We are entrusted with the solemn responsibility of border governance and migration management. This trust confers significant authority and, with it, an uncompromising obligation to uphold the highest standards of integrity, professionalism, and accountability.

“Corruption is not merely an administrative failing; it is an existential threat to national security, economic development, and Nigeria’s international standing. It erodes public confidence, weakens the rule of law, and creates avenues for transnational crime. Consequently, the fight against corruption is inseparable from our core mandate of effective border governance.”

She noted that: “While the Service has long maintained codes of conduct and disciplinary mechanisms, the establishment of ACTU Desks represents a strategic shift—from a largely centralized and reactive model to a decentralized, preventive, and culture-shaping framework. You, our newly inaugurated Desk Officers, constitute the foundation of this transformation.

“You are not mere additions to the establishment. You are ethical champions, standard-bearers, and first responders within your respective formations. Your selection was neither incidental nor symbolic; it followed a rigorous process that prioritised proven integrity, courage, and sound judgment. You now serve as accessible and trusted pillars for promoting transparency and addressing misconduct at its source.”

She stated that the ACTU Desk Officers will operate under three core mandates: enlightenment, deterrence, and enforcement. Their duties include leading continuous sensitization on ethics and service regulations, providing confidential channels for reporting misconduct, and ensuring that proven cases of wrongdoing are addressed in line with extant laws and regulations. They will also monitor compliance with transparency measures in key service areas such as passport administration, visa processing, border operations, and the auction of seized items.

The Comptroller General called on Command Comptrollers and Heads of Formations to provide full support to the Desk Officers, stressing that their role is to strengthen, not undermine, command authority.

She assured the officers of the full backing of the Service leadership, urging them to remain firm and fearless in the discharge of their duties despite possible resistance.

The inauguration, she noted, sends a clear signal of the Service’s zero-tolerance stance on corruption and its commitment to building a professional institution that commands public trust and international confidence.

In his speech, the Chairman of Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Aliyu said: “Although the establishment of ACTUs in Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) was initiated by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) in collaboration with the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCS), ACTUs have now evolved into a government-recognized anti-corruption platform. These Units function as internal mechanisms to identify and address systemic weaknesses while ensuring compliance with ethical standards across MDAs.”

Aliyu, who was represented by the Director of the Systems Study and Review Department, Mr. Olusegun Adigun, noted that aligned with the Service’s vision to be a modern, effective and efficient Immigration Service, manned by well trained and motivated workforce, the ACTU will serve as a strategic instrument to support the Service in achieving these objectives through its mandated duties.

NIS: Corruption Poses Existential Threat to National Security, Economic Development, Nigeria’s International Standing

PRESIDENT TINUBU AT 9TH INT’L ENERGY SUMMIT: Nigeria Stands Ready With Africa, Global Partners To Deliver Secure, Affordable, Cleaner Energy

Says energy remains central to peace, prosperity, global stability, unity among communities

By: Our Reporter

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has restated Nigeria’s readiness to collaborate with African nations, global partners and the private sector to deliver cleaner, affordable, inclusive, and more secure energy.

He said energy plays a critical role as the invisible force holding the modern world together, as well as the quiet architecture of balance among nations, the unseen hand that steadies economies and sustains societies.

The Nigerian leader stated this on Tuesday in Abuja when he declared open the 9th Nigeria International Energy Summit that was well attended by heads of delegation and senior government officials from across the globe, as well as leaders of international energy organizations, chief executives of global and indigenous energy companies, development finance institutions, and representatives of host communities.

President Tinubu, who was represented at the summit by his deputy, Vice President Kashim Shettima, observed that while energy remains central to peace, prosperity, and global stability, Nigeria is focusing heavily on utilizing its vast gas reserves as a transition fuel and expanding renewable energy capacity.

“Energy must unite communities, stabilize economies, and secure futures. It must power factories, illuminate homes, fuel innovation, and build trust between government, investors, and citizens.

“Nigeria stands ready to collaborate with Africa, global partners, and the private sector to deliver energy that is secure, affordable, cleaner, and inclusive,” he declared.

The Nigerian leader recalled that even though his administration inherited an energy sector that was rich in potential in 2023, the sector was “constrained by inefficiencies, uncertainty, and prolonged underinvestment.

“We set to work without fanfare, guided by the clear understanding that energy cannot be treated simply as an economic commodity if stability is our goal. Energy is a catalyst for national security, industrial growth, social inclusion, and regional cooperation,” he noted.

President Tinubu assured that his government was fully committed to “building an energy system that delivers reliability, transparency, sustainability, and shared prosperity.”

Outlining efforts by his administration to boost the energy sector, the President said his administration sustained and deepened the full implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act, consolidating its role as the live wire of sector reform and strengthened regulatory institutions to ensure clarity of roles, transparency, and investor confidence.

He continued: “Under our watch, Nigeria’s upstream activity recorded a historic rebound. Rig counts rose from eight rigs in 2021 to sixty-nine rigs by late 2025, reflecting renewed exploration and drilling momentum.

“The sector secured Final Investment Decisions exceeding eight billion United States dollars, including major offshore gas developments involving global energy companies. Foreign direct investment into the oil and gas subsector rebounded strongly, driven by regulatory certainty, fiscal reforms, and improved operating conditions.”

Under his watch, President Tinubu said crude oil theft, which had been a major constraint on production and revenue, declined significantly due to enhanced security coordination, surveillance, and regulatory enforcement, adding that the efforts paid off, as they restored operational stability and improved Nigeria’s production reliability in international markets.

Apart from deliberate leadership appointments across key regulatory and development institutions that reinforced professionalism, accountability, and institutional effectiveness, the President stated that “early reforms, most notably fuel subsidy removal and foreign exchange liberalization, repositioned the sector’s economics, improved market efficiency, and enhanced long-term investment attractiveness.

“While these measures required national sacrifice, they laid the foundation for sustainability, fiscal resilience, and investor confidence. Industry stakeholders and independent experts have described these reforms as transformational, aligning Nigeria’s energy sector with global best practices,” he added.

Formally declaring the 9th Nigeria International Energy Summit open, the Nigerian leader implored participants “to engage constructively, invest confidently, and partner purposefully with Nigeria.”

Earlier, Gambian President, Adama Barrow, observed that Nigeria’s policies have implications far beyond its borders, noting that working together through strategic partnerships is key to regional solutions and energy security.

President of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, maintained that Africa must cease to be merely an exporter of raw materials and focus on processing them for the betterment of future generations.

The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, in a speech that was read on his behalf, averred that in Africa, energy is not just about resources but about inclusive and sustainable prosperity.

He assured that the National Assembly is ready to work with relevant stakeholders through legislative backing, agreeing that when the energy system works, the economy grows more resilient.

On his part, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), said the gathering was a call to action to make energy a champion for advancement.

He commended the Dangote Refinery, BUA, and other refiners for making significant investments in Nigeria’s energy sector.

For his part, Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), noted that while collaboration is essential in building a reliable energy system, President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda is already positioning gas as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s energy security.

He assured that the government was strengthening oil and gas stability while supporting regional integration and building on the meaningful gains recorded in the sector.

Speaking on behalf of the Independent Petroleum Producers Group (IPPG), the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Aradel Holdings Plc, Adegbite Falade, said gas production in Nigeria has grown significantly since 2025, with indigenous producers increasingly allowed to thrive.

According to him, under the leadership of Mr President, requisite reforms and executive orders have been approved, thereby increasing local ownership in the sector.

The Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of NNPC Ltd. (Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited), Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, also lent his voice, stressing that Africa is at a turning point in the energy sector.

He said Nigeria is well positioned to lead this charge, with over 37 billion barrels of oil potential, making the country an emerging global energy powerhouse.

PRESIDENT TINUBU AT 9TH INT’L ENERGY SUMMIT: Nigeria Stands Ready With Africa, Global Partners To Deliver Secure, Affordable, Cleaner Energy