By Fatima Saka
The Federal Government of Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to positioning Nigeria as Africa’s leading halal economy, intensifying efforts to attract Saudi Arabian investors and unlock opportunities in the multi-trillion-dollar global halal market.
The Special Adviser to the President on Export Expansion and Secretary of the Nigerian Halal Economy Strategy Implementation Committee, Aliyu Bunu Sheriff, disclosed this while speaking with journalists on the sidelines of a Nigeria-Saudi investment engagement in Abuja.
Sharif said the engagement with Saudi investors marks a significant step towards strengthening bilateral economic relations, noting that it would enable investors to explore Nigeria’s vast opportunities while fostering mutually beneficial partnerships.
According to him, the Federal Government is focused on sustaining business linkages created through such engagements, while ensuring that prospective investors receive the necessary support to establish operations in Nigeria.
He revealed that Nigeria is already implementing a comprehensive Halal Economy Strategy aimed at positioning the country as Africa’s leading hub in the rapidly expanding global halal industry.
Sharif explained that the strategy is designed to enable Nigeria to tap into the enormous halal market by leveraging its agricultural strength, manufacturing capacity, and export potential.
He further emphasised the need to maximise opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which provides access to over 1.3 billion consumers, positioning Nigeria as a gateway for halal products and services across Africa and beyond.
The presidential aide added that the administration is committed to creating an enabling environment for investors by ensuring compliance with regulatory and operational requirements.
He, however, stressed that Nigeria’s investment drive is anchored on mutually beneficial partnerships.
“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,” he said.
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Sharif also highlighted the role of diaspora-driven initiatives in connecting buyers and sellers, facilitating cross-border investments, and strengthening commercial ties between Nigeria and key global partners.
He expressed optimism that growing collaboration between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia would accelerate investment inflows, boost exports, and support the country’s economic diversification agenda, while reinforcing its ambition to become Africa’s foremost halal economy.
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