Halal and Agrofood Compliance Certification Services (HACCS) has concluded all arrangements to commence a six-month intensive Halal Auditor Training Programme – aimed at developing a highly skilled workforce to uphold international Halal standards.
The programme slated to begin virtually on Saturday May 10 is set to build local capacity by training certified auditors to ensure full compliance with Halal Assurance Systems (HAS) and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
The workshop will hold monthly for six months.
Muslim News gathered that more than 70 participants, both within and outside Nigeria, have been shortlisted to exclusively participate in the six-month training programme which holds virtually by 9:00am (Nigerian time).
The initiative targets professionals from diverse fields—including food science, meat science, food microbiology, and Islamic studies—with many shortlisted candidates holding thanawiyyah certificates and possessing deep knowledge of Islamic jurisprudence (fiqh al-halal wal-haram).
Speaking on the urgent need for the programme, Dr. Taofeek Muhammad Thanni, Head of Islamic Ethical Compliance at HACCS, emphasized the industry’s pressing talent gap.
“Without trained auditors, compliance weakens and trust in Halal-certified products is compromised. Nigeria must build internal capacity to meet rising domestic and international demand,” he stated.
The global Halal industry—spanning food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, finance, and tourism—is valued at over $2.3 trillion, with food alone accounting for nearly $1.4 trillion. Countries like Thailand, Brazil, China, and Australia have adopted national Halal strategies to penetrate Muslim-majority markets, and Nigeria is now looking to do the same.
To ensure top-tier compliance, trainees will learn to inspect production facilities and abattoirs, review ingredient traceability, prevent cross-contamination, assess hygiene and staff training protocols, and evaluate documentation—all within the framework of Islamic ethical principles.
The initiative also calls for active government involvement. Experts say legislation, infrastructure, global partnerships, and Halal governance are critical to unlocking the industry’s full potential. These actions could enhance non-oil exports, strengthen trade with Muslim-majority nations, and build consumer trust in Nigeria’s Halal-certified products.
As HACCS continues to lead in halal integrity and food safety, it urges all stakeholders to join in building a sustainable ecosystem. “Nigeria must act now to claim its place in the international Halal economy,” Dr. Thanni urged.
HACCS can be reached at info@halalagrofoodcert.com
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