Nigeria must develop its capacity in the "Standardization and Certification" to benefit immensely from the Global Halal market. Mr. Jude Chime, Executive Director of Trade, Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry, ACCI, made this point while providing further insight on "Halal Industry as a Driver of Inclusive Economic Growth in Nigeria."
He believed that the Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON) needs all the required support in capacity development and resources, enabling it to extend its certification mandate to Halal products. According to him, Nigeria has improved advocacy and awareness of opportunities in the Halal industry. He believed it was time for Nigeria to strategically benefit from the US$7.3trn global industry.
He said Nigeria must be challenged by countries like Brazil and New Zealand, amongst the top 10 Halal exporters globally, apart from the Asian tiger Malaysia.
Speaking further, he noted that the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) is working out modalities for achieving an arbitration center and membership in the Islamic food processing association, which will improve the Halal rating of Nigeria.
Looking at how Nigeria could leverage the Halal industry to transform the economy, he highlighted the agriculture sector, with an eye on areas like the export of "Cassava," which could form part of the "Halal Food Value Chain."
"We also need to find a way to ensure legislation in the education, certification and standardization of Halal organizations. The SON could arrange halal standardization training because the Halal industry is huge, and it has arrived, so Nigeria cannot afford to take a back seat."
He added that it was important for the Nigerian government to be intentional about Halal by working with stakeholders that can attract manufacturers who will align with the values and help improve the diversification of the economy.
The Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) official challenged Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria to take advantage of the Islamic Food Processing Association's large market base and expand their frontiers by creating economic value.
He advised the SMEs to explore areas like light manufacturing, which can boost the nation's productivity and improve earnings for the country.
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