Abuja:Nigeria is set to introduce a national Halal framework that will incorporate QR code certification for its products, aiming to enhance traceability and access to international markets. This initiative was announced by Mr. Aliyu Sheriff, Special Assistant to the President on Export Expansion, during the Malaysia International Halal Showcase in Kuala Lumpur.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the framework will establish certification, accreditation, and traceability standards to help international buyers verify the source and compliance of Nigerian products. The QR code will allow for easy tracing of products back to their factories of origin.
Mr. Sheriff emphasized the importance of a credible Halal certification structure to enable Nigerian businesses to compete in global markets. The strategy is built on four main pillars: Islamic finance, Halal compliance, market access, and capacity and infrastructure development. The compliance aspect will focus on standardization and technology, while market access will connect Nigerian businesses with international markets.
He highlighted the need to learn from countries with established Halal systems, such as Malaysia and Indonesia, while tailoring the framework to Nigeria’s context. Strengthening the capacity of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to meet international standards in areas like packaging and standardization is also a priority.
Mr. Sheriff pointed out that the Halal economy’s principles extend beyond Muslim markets to emphasize quality, safety, ethics, and sustainability. The government’s strategy will expand Nigeria’s Halal participation into sectors such as modest fashion, tourism, hospitality, and livestock.
The draft implementation framework is currently being finalized, with capacity development activities planned for November. The framework is expected to be completed by the end of the year. Value addition to products is also a focus, aiming to generate jobs and foreign exchange by moving away from exporting raw commodities.
Nigeria’s role as a major African economy and its position in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) present opportunities to expand its global Halal economy participation. The government has established a secretariat at the Bank of Industry to coordinate the strategy’s implementation, with roles assigned to various ministries, departments, and agencies to ensure its success.