The Federal Government has been urged to support the growth of Nigeria’s halal economy by creating favourable policies and encouraging private-sector investment.
Chairman of the Halal Certification Authority (HCA), Professor Ibrahim Oreagba, made the call at the Congregation of Southern Nigerian Ulamah Special Summit in Ibadan, noting that “halal business is one that complies with permissible goods and services, honest dealings and fair contract terms.”
Speaking on “Halal Economy: Implications for National Development and the Muslim Ummah,” Oreagba also recommended capacity building for Muslim entrepreneurs and sustained public enlightenment to erase misconceptions around halal practices.
He stressed the need for Nigeria to tap into the multi-trillion-dollar global halal market.
On security and extremism, Professor Afiz Oladosu of the University of Ibadan, in a presentation on terrorism and misgovernment, cautioned against the politicisation of religion.
He said misrepresentation of Islam stems from wrong practices and urged scholars to invest in media influence, warning that “there are different categories of terrorism and anti-terrorism; using the opportunity of fighting terrorism to fight Muslims.”
Discussant Dr. Nurudeen Asunogie added that parents must guide their children responsibly, emphasising that “inclusivity is essential to combat terrorism.”
Summit Convener and Vice President of the Supreme Council for Shari’a in Nigeria, Sheikh Isa Akindele, said the summit aimed to address the economic and security burdens facing Southern Nigerian Muslims.
“We feel the weight of rising insecurity… we also feel the weight of livelihoods placed under strain,” he lamented.
In a goodwill message, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi proposed unifying Nigerian Ulamah and advocated building schools in forests as a long-term solution to banditry, insisting that education would empower youths and restore peace.
The summit ended with national prayers and the release of a communiqué urging President Bola Tinubu to replace INEC Chairman Professor Joash Amupitan over remarks considered indicative of bias.
Participants also commended the Armed Forces and expressed sympathy with families affected by the abduction of 25 schoolgirls in Kebbi State.
Reporting by Sherifdeen Nashirdeen