The much-anticipated launch of the Nigeria National Halal Economy Strategy, earlier scheduled for Monday, October 27, has been postponed, Muslim News can authoritatively confirm.
The high-level initiative which is positioned as a pathway to unlocking a $1 trillion global halal economy was expected to be unveiled today by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima at the State House Banquet Hall, Abuja.
However, in a message sent to some of the invited stakeholders just hours before the scheduled event, the organisers cited “circumstances beyond their control” as the reason for the postponement.
The message read: “Good evening sir. My sincere apologies for the short notice. I regret to inform you that the Launch of the Nigeria National Halal Economy Strategy has been rescheduled to a later date next month due to circumstances beyond our control. We just received the directive this night, honestly.”
Since the Federal Government announced the Nigeria National Halal Economy Strategy last Friday, it has sparked both needless and unnecessary commendation and controversy, particularly from certain Christian groups.
Some critics baselessly allege that the halal economy initiative is an attempt to Islamise Nigeria. Others take issue with the use of the term “halal” — an Arabic word meaning lawful, arguing that Nigeria is not an Arab country. Ironically, they overlook the fact that non-Muslim countries such as the US, UK, and Brazil have embraced the halal concept and terminology in their thriving export markets.
There are also those who argue that the timing is insensitive, citing the alleged Christian genocide in parts of Nigeria — a claim that has been dismissed by the Federal Government, U.S. representatives, and several interfaith organisations. READ MPAC NIGERIA’s rejoinder HERE
Despite the backlash, many halal industry stakeholders view the strategy as a timely and strategic economic move with the potential to position Nigeria as a major player in the multi-trillion dollar global halal market.
A new date for the launch is expected to be announced soon.
Earlier, in an exclusive interview with Muslim News, renowned Islamic finance expert and Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) consultant, Professor Abdurrazaq Alaro, reaffirmed that adopting halal-compliant economic models does not equate to religious imposition.
“We need to clear this misconception. Each time Nigeria explores economic or business opportunities with links to Islam, some people claim it’s an attempt to impose religion. This is simply not true and has been proven wrong many times,” he stated in an interview with Muslim News on Sunday.
He recalled how similar criticisms trailed Nigeria’s decision to join the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), yet today, the country enjoys numerous benefits from the partnership at both state and individual levels without controversies.
“Likewise, when Jaiz Bank was licensed as Nigeria’s first Islamic bank, it faced intense opposition. But today, many of those who criticised it are among its beneficiaries,” he said.
Prof. Alaro noted that a significant number of former critics are now either customers or staff of Islamic financial institutions. “In fact, if you visit some Jaiz Bank branches, you’ll find that nearly 50% of the workforce are Christians or non-Muslims. So, where is the noise today?”
He urged Nigerians to see Islamic finance as a credible, ethical alternative based on transparency, risk-sharing, and inclusivity that is open to everyone, regardless of religion or background. Read PROF ALARO’s full report HERE
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