The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) says it is continually committed to driving initiatives that will promote the development of Halal products standards in Nigeria.It, however, assured that such commitments would be done in line with internationally accepted standards for both domestic and foreign consumers.
Director General/Chief Executive Officer SON, Farouk Salim stated this at the validation meeting of the Final Draft Report on the Roadmap and Operational Framework for the Development of Halal Industry in Nigeria, held in Abuja.Halal industry is a way of life that encompasses the entire ecosystem, from food production to consumerism. The Halal industry is a booming global market. The global Islamic economy comprises seven sectors Islamic finance, Halal food, modest fashion, media and recreation, Muslim-friendly travel, pharmaceutical, and cosmetics.
Salim, represented by the Head, Halal Desk, Amina Haliru, emphasised the crucial role of standardisation to achieve this set goal. He explained that steps are being taken by SON to ensure that globally accepted standards are developed or adopted for the Nigerian Halal Industry, which will ensure products and services meet the right specifications as well as deliver on consumers’ expectations in local and international markets.
Speaking further, he said they have constituted a team to interface with relevant agencies and stakeholders to develop an operational framework for the kick-off of the Halal industry in Nigeria. He said the roadmap and milestones outlined by the committee to get a functioning Halal industry in Nigeria, would open the country to the world, and also boost the economy because the Halal Global Market is currently valued at trillions of dollars.
Salim further stated that the organisation, in keeping with to plan, had established a training centre in Kano, were all trainings on Halal certifications had already taken effect, to have local businesses and industries partake in the Halal sector.
Keynote Speaker, Minister of State of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Maryam Katagum, applauded the committee on the strides achieved thus far. She noted that at kick-off, the industry would be a useful tool in the Ministry’s mandate of facilitating trade and growing the Nigerian industrial sector and assured of the Ministry’s continuous support.
Participants included representatives from the Federal Ministry of Industry Trade and Investment (FMITI), Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Nigeria National Accreditation System (NINAS), National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), Federation of Agricultural Commodity Associations of Nigeria (FACAN), and officials of SON among others.
