On February 5, 2026, Bola Ahmed Tinubu officially launched Nigeria’s National Halal Economy Strategy, a comprehensive roadmap designed to position the country as a leading global hub for ethical, high-quality, and export-ready products. Represented at the launch by Vice President Kashim Shettima, the President made it clear that the initiative is not simply about religion. Rather, it is about building economic infrastructure, strengthening standards, and earning global consumer trust through quality assurance systems that meet international benchmarks.
The strategy is projected to add $1.5 billion to Nigeria’s GDP by 2027 and unlock as much as $12 billion in domestic economic value over the next decade. Nigeria is already ranked as the eighth largest domestic halal economy in the world and the second largest in Africa. However, much of its current participation remains consumption-driven. By aligning production systems with global halal standards, the country aims to transition from being a major consumer market to becoming a competitive exporter within a global halal industry currently valued at $7.7 trillion and still expanding.
Domestic halal spending in Nigeria was estimated at approximately $107 billion in 2022, with projections suggesting it could rise to $180 billion by 2027. The government also targets an increase in Nigeria’s export share within the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) markets from 2 percent to 6 percent within the same period. These projections reflect a broader ambition to reposition Nigeria within global value chains across food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, finance, logistics, and tourism.
Central to the strategy is the reframing of “halal” as a premium quality assurance framework rather than a purely religious label. Policymakers emphasize that halal certification guarantees traceability from raw materials to final packaging, humane and ethical treatment of animals, responsible labor practices, and strict hygiene standards often aligned with or exceeding global systems such as HACCP and ISO 22000. For Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), certification is being promoted as a gateway to international markets—a structured pathway to credibility and competitiveness.
The agro-allied and food processing sector represents one of the most immediate growth opportunities. Nigeria produces nearly half of the world’s cassava, yet continues to import several cassava derivatives. Under the new strategy, local enterprises are encouraged to process cassava into halal-certified starches, glucose syrups, sweeteners, and pharmaceutical-grade inputs, as well as expand into packaged livestock and poultry products. The emphasis is shifting from exporting raw commodities to exporting value-added, branded, and certified goods.
The cosmetics and personal care industry also presents significant export potential. With growing global demand for alcohol-free and pork-derivative-free formulations, Nigeria’s abundant shea butter, essential oils, and botanical extracts provide a strong foundation for developing halal-certified “clean beauty” products tailored to Middle Eastern, European, and Asian markets. This aligns with rising consumer preferences for transparency, natural ingredients, and ethical sourcing.
Infrastructure development is another critical pillar of the strategy, particularly in logistics and cold-chain systems. Halal-compliant storage and transportation require strict segregation to prevent cross-contamination between halal and non-halal goods. This creates investment opportunities in specialized warehouses, certified transport networks, and compliant cold-chain facilities. Without such infrastructure, export ambitions would remain constrained.
Tourism and hospitality also form part of the broader vision. The strategy encourages the development of halal-friendly destinations, certified food services, and compliant hotel operations capable of attracting travelers from key markets. Nigeria’s engagement within the D-8 economic bloc, which represents a population of over one billion people, further strengthens its access to an integrated consumer base seeking halal-compliant services.
For MSMEs seeking entry into the halal economy, the government outlines a structured roadmap: standardizing production processes in line with SMIIC guidelines, obtaining certification through recognized bodies, accessing ethical financing instruments such as Sukuk bonds and interest-free facilities, and leveraging trade frameworks like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to expand exports across Africa and into Middle Eastern markets.
As Vice President Kashim Shettima stated during the launch, “The halal economy is a global market framework rooted in standards, safety, and consumer trust—not geography or belief.” If effectively implemented, Nigeria’s National Halal Economy Strategy could mark a decisive shift from commodity dependency toward a standards-driven industrial transformation, positioning the country as a credible and competitive player in one of the fastest-growing segments of global trade.