Malaysia's High Commission promotes Nigeria's halal economy

The High Commission of Malaysia in Nigeria has initiated a transformative economic agenda aimed at enabling Nigeria to unlock its potential in the $3.5 trillion global halal economy. This initiative was showcased at the 2026 Lagos International Trade Fair under the theme “Malaysia, Your Halal Gateway.” High Commissioner Aiyub Omar stated that the halal economy has evolved beyond religious boundaries, encompassing sectors such as food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, Islamic finance, logistics, and tourism.

He emphasized Nigeria's entrepreneurial spirit and agricultural resources as key assets for capturing a significant market share. Omar outlined Malaysia's successful dual-engine framework, which includes the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) for regulatory compliance and the Halal Development Corporation (HDC) for commercial expansion.

In 2025, Malaysia's halal exports reached RM68.52 billion (approximately $16.9 billion), with the food and beverage sector contributing significantly. Omar clarified that the halal ecosystem is an economic strategy rather than a religious agenda, offering Nigeria four strategic insights for developing its local halal ecosystem.