The Federal Government of Nigeria is set to unveil a national Halal framework that includes a QR-based certification system. This initiative aims to improve traceability and strengthen Nigeria's access to the global Halal market. The framework is part of efforts to establish a National Halal Authority and enhance compliance with international standards. A stakeholder meeting was held to review plans for strengthening Halal certification, traceability, and regulatory systems.
The National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency stated that the meeting sought to enhance Nigeria's position in the global Halal market, valued at over $7 trillion. Discussions focused on establishing a National Halal Authority framework and improving certification and traceability systems. This will help boost Nigeria's global trade competitiveness. The proposed QR-based system will make it easier to verify certified Halal products by providing traceable information throughout the supply chain.
The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) currently operates a Halal Certification Scheme under its National Product Certification Department. The scheme covers certification of designated products in line with relevant standards and requirements. SON's Halal certification process involves application review, audit preparation, on-site or remote audits, technical review, and certificate issuance. The certification timeline is approximately 31 working days after a complete application is submitted.
The government's planned framework is expected to support exporters seeking access to markets where Halal certification and product traceability are essential requirements. The Nigerian Export Promotion Council has identified compliance with international standards and the use of recognized quality-certification authorities as crucial factors in gaining access to international markets.
The initiative aims to strengthen confidence in Nigerian Halal products, improve their traceability, and support the country's efforts to expand non-oil exports. By enhancing Halal certification and traceability systems, Nigeria can increase its global trade competitiveness and tap into the vast potential of the global Halal market.
The Federal Government's efforts to establish a National Halal Authority framework and improve certification and traceability systems have been welcomed by industry stakeholders. The QR-based certification system is expected to be a game-changer for Nigeria's Halal industry, enabling the country to better compete in the global market.
The unveiling of the QR-based Halal certification framework is a significant step towards boosting Nigeria's exports and enhancing the country's position in the global Halal market. With the global Halal market valued at over $7 trillion, Nigeria is poised to tap into this vast potential and increase its non-oil exports.
Key points
- The proposed QR-based system will improve traceability and strengthen Nigeria's access to the global Halal market.
- The global Halal market is valued at over $7 trillion.
- The initiative aims to support exporters seeking access to markets where Halal certification and product traceability are essential requirements.
