NIGERIA – The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has concluded plans for an operational framework for Halal Products that will meet the standards of both domestic and foreign consumers, reiterating its commitment to continually drive initiatives that promote the development of Halal Products Standards.
Mallam Farouk Salim, the Director-General/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of SON, said this at the Validation Meeting of the Final Draft Report on the Roadmap and Operational Framework for the Development of the Halal Industry in Nigeria.
The Director-General, who was represented by the Head of the Halal Desk, Mrs. Amina Haliru, stressed the importance of standardization in reaching the desired outcome.
He evaluated the measures taken by SON to make sure that the Nigerian Halal Industry created or implemented standards that were widely recognized.
Then, in order to facilitate access to and acceptability in global markets, he looked at steps that would ensure that goods and services met the proper requirements and fulfilled consumers’ expectations.
Salim pointed out that SON has assembled a team to communicate with pertinent organizations and stakeholders in order to create an operational plan for the commencement of the Nigerian halal business.
He said that by following the plan and achieving the milestones set by the committee, Nigeria will become more accessible to the rest of the globe and develop a viable Halal economy.
“It will lead to a boost in the Nigerian economy because the Halal Global Market is valued at trillions of dollars,’’ he said.
In addition, he said that the organization had created a training facility in Kano where all Halal certification training would be conducted so that Nigerian firms and industries could participate in the Halal Sector.
The Minister of State for Industry, Trade, and Investment, Amb. Maryam Katagum lauded the committee for its progress to date.
Katagum pointed out that the launch of the Industry will help the ministry fulfill its duty to promote trade and expand Nigeria’s industrial sector.
She continued by assuring that the Ministry would continue to support the program in any manner possible.
Participants include officials from the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), the Nigeria National Accreditation System (NINAS), and the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment (FMITI).
Also present were other SON officials, the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), and the Federation of Agricultural Commodity Associations of Nigeria (FACAN), among others.
He claimed that both domestic and international consumers would benefit from doing this in accordance with internationally recognized standards.
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