FG committed to implemention of operational framework on Halal industry-Minister

By Miriam Humbe, Abuja

Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Amb. Mariam Yalwaji Katagum has said that the federal government was committed to implementing the roadmap and operational framework for the development of Halal industry in the country.

The Minister said this in Abuja at a joint meeting with the National Board For Technical Education on collaboration to set up Halal laboratory and official presentation of the Report on the Roadmap and Operational Framework for Halal Certification in Nigeria by the Technical Committee on Halal industry.

This was contained in a statement signed on Thursday by the Deputy Director Information in the Ministry, Oluwakemi Ogunmakinwa Mrs.

“As per bbc.com, Halal food is that which adheres to Islamic law, as defined in the Koran.

“The Islamic form of slaughtering animals or poultry, dhabiha, involves killing through a cut to the jugular vein, carotid artery and windpipe. Animals must be alive and healthy at the time of slaughter and all blood is drained from the carcass,” the statement explained.

The Minister said the Federal Government was committed to the implementation of the roadmap and operational framework on Halal industry in view of the numerous benefits accrued to the nation’s economy as well as the multiplying effects on the Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) through the halal industry.

Amb. Katagum also said that with the successful completion and presentation of the report, the Ministry is ready to move to the next level of conveying a Stakeholders’ Engagement for review and validation of the Roadmap and Operational Framework for onward transmission of a council memo to the Federal Executive Council.

She said that the recommendations given by the technical committee would make Nigeria a hub for Halal Products.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Dr Evenly N. Ngige appreciated the level of dedication of members of the technical committee and promised to give necessary supports for the implementation of the Technical report.

Executive Secretary and team leader of the National Board For Technical Education, Prof Idris Bugaje said his organization was ready to partner with the Technical committee to set up a government approved laboratory and find a sustainable solution to Halal certification in Nigeria.

Chairman of the technical committee on roadmap and operational framework for Halal certification in Nigeria, Alhaji Nour Sani Hanga stated that the Roadmap had five milestones.

They include: Raising awareness on the Global Halal Market; Exploring the World of Halal; Launching Nigeria Halal Initiative; Adopting a Halal Standard and Commissioning a National Regulator has been identified, which if fully covered, would launch a Halal industry that would be competitive at home and at the global market.