Nigeria Eyes Africa’s Halal Market Leadership as FG Woos Saudi Investors, Targets $Trillion Export Economy
By Pan Afric Reporters
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to positioning Nigeria as Africa’s leading halal economy, leveraging the country’s strategic location, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and stronger partnerships with Saudi Arabian investors to unlock opportunities in the multi-trillion-dollar global halal market.
The Special Adviser to the Vice-President on Export Expansion and Secretary of the Nigerian Halal Economy Strategy Implementation Committee, Aliyu Bulu Sharif, made this known while speaking with journalists on the sidelines of a Nigeria-Saudi Investment engagement, where he underscored the importance of diaspora-driven business linkages in expanding trade, attracting investment, and boosting Nigeria’s export potential.
Sharif described the visit of Saudi investors to Nigeria as a significant step towards deepening bilateral economic relations, noting that the engagement would enable investors to explore Nigeria’s vast investment opportunities while fostering mutually beneficial commercial partnerships.
According to him, the Federal Government is committed to sustaining the business linkages created through the engagement and ensuring that prospective investors receive the necessary support to establish operations in Nigeria.
He disclosed that Nigeria is already implementing a comprehensive Halal Economy Strategy aimed at positioning the country as Africa’s leading hub in the rapidly growing global halal industry.
Sharif explained that the strategy is designed to enable Nigeria to tap into the multi-trillion-dollar halal market by capitalising on its enormous agricultural, manufacturing and export potential.
He stressed that the country must also maximise the opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), with its market of over 1.3 billion consumers, to strengthen Nigeria’s position as the preferred gateway for halal products and services into Africa and the global market.
The presidential adviser said the administration is determined to create an enabling environment for foreign investors by ensuring they meet all regulatory and operational requirements needed to establish businesses in the country.
He, however, emphasised that Nigeria’s investment drive is anchored on mutually beneficial partnerships rather than one-sided arrangements.
“Nigeria is willing and able to work with investors to ensure they meet all the requirements necessary to set up here. It is not about getting aid or one-way investment. It has to go both ways. The idea is to ensure we all present the comparative advantage of both countries and see how we can utilise the opportunities that this partnership presents,” Sharif said.
He further described diaspora-led initiatives as vital platforms for connecting buyers and sellers, facilitating cross-border investments, and strengthening commercial ties between Nigeria and strategic international partners.
Sharif expressed optimism that the growing collaboration between Nigeria and Saudi would accelerate investment flows, expand export opportunities, and contribute significantly to the country’s economic diversification agenda while reinforcing its ambition to become Africa’s foremost halal economy.
