Nigeria is intensifying efforts to secure a significant share of the global halal meat industry, a market valued at more than $2 trillion. The country plans to capitalize on its vast livestock resources, improved halal certification systems, and rising investment in the livestock sector to build a strong export-oriented value chain.
The push comes as worldwide demand for halal products continues to expand, driven by a rapidly growing Muslim population and increasing consumer preference for quality-certified food products. Industry reports estimate that Asia’s halal food market alone could be worth between $900 billion and $1.1 trillion, supported by over 1.8 billion Muslim consumers. The market is also extending beyond meat products into processed foods, pharmaceuticals, and specialty halal ingredients.
Speaking on Nigeria’s opportunities in the sector, the Head of Operations at Dar Al Halal Certification, Dr. Maiyaki Sani, said the country enjoys a strategic geographic advantage in supplying major halal markets such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Malaysia, and Indonesia. He explained that stricter global halal regulations are changing international trade patterns, as importing nations now demand higher compliance with Islamic slaughtering practices, humane animal treatment, and ethical food processing standards.
Dr. Sani noted that competition in the halal market is no longer based solely on production capacity but also on certification credibility, branding, and consumer trust. According to him, concerns over food fraud, product mislabelling, and contamination have forced regulators to demand greater transparency and traceability throughout the supply chain.
Industry analysts say Nigeria’s opportunity extends beyond exports to addressing inefficiencies within its domestic livestock economy. With an estimated livestock population of more than 200 million animals and annual meat consumption of about 1.5 million metric tons, Nigeria remains one of Africa’s largest animal protein markets. The red meat segment alone is estimated to be worth around ₦1 trillion at production level, with much higher value generated across retail markets.
Recent developments indicate growing momentum toward formalising and modernising the sector. At a high-level investment matchmaking platform organised under the African Pastoral Markets Development initiative in Abuja, stakeholders secured commitments worth ₦3.7 billion, alongside several supply chain agreements designed to strengthen production and processing activities.
One of the major agreements involved ABIS Group partnering with the Livestock Butchery and Cooperative Society to supply 100 cattle weekly, with each animal averaging 550 kilograms. Other deals involving Majestic Farms, Abbat Abattoir, and MACBAN focused on ensuring consistent supply volumes and improving quality standards within the livestock value chain.
In addition, Nebula Technologies introduced its Farmers ERP digital platform to 27 stakeholders in the sector. The technology is expected to improve traceability, data management, and performance monitoring, helping to solve long-standing challenges that have limited access to financing, insurance, and large-scale investment opportunities.
Experts believe that with stronger certification systems, increased investment, and technology-driven livestock management, Nigeria has the potential to emerge as a major supplier in the global halal meat market in the years ahead.