The Nigerian Government entered into a cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia’s Halal Products Development Company (HPDC) on Wednesday, with the objective of establishing Nigeria as a prominent participant in the global halal market, currently valued at $7.7 trillion.

This agreement is expected to promote investment, enhance technical cooperation, and provide market access in essential sectors, including food production, pharmaceuticals, finance, and livestock for both countries.

At the signing ceremony at the Makkah Halal Forum in Saudi Arabia, Vice President Kashim Shettima remarked that this collaboration represents a pivotal opportunity to transform Nigeria into a powerhouse of the global halal economy.

Senator Shettima, who was represented by Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, (Office of the Vice President), Senator Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia in a statement by Stanley Nkwocha, the Vice President spokesman, said, “This collaboration is an important step in our ambition to not only tap into the lucrative halal market but to establish Nigeria as a leading global player.

“We are committed to leveraging this collaboration to create jobs, attract foreign investment, and diversify our economy in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”

The agreement was executed with HPDC, a subsidiary of the Saudi Public Investment Fund, represented by its Chief Executive Officer, Fahad Alnuhait, in the presence of Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Commerce, Dr. Majid bin Abdullah Al-Qasabi; Chairman of the Makkah Halal Forum’s Organizing Committee, His Excellency Mr. Fawaz bin Talal Al-Harbi, and Chairman of Makkah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, His Excellency Mr. Abdullah bin Saleh Kamel.

Also speaking, Special Assistant to the President on Export Promotion, Aliyu Bunu Sheriff, said the partnership builds on Nigeria’s growing Islamic finance sector, which has seen success through Sukuk bonds for infrastructure financing and the establishment of Islamic banks like Jaiz Bank, Taj Bank, and Lotus Bank.

Sheriff explained that the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) and the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) will support the initiative through capacity building, regulatory framework development, and financing opportunities.

“This agreement aligns perfectly with the Renewed Hope Agenda by creating new jobs, attracting foreign direct investment, and diversifying our economy.

“The halal economy extends beyond Muslim consumers. Non-Muslim majority countries like Brazil, Australia, and Thailand are already leveraging the sector for substantial export growth,” he said.

The Nigerian delegation also included the Chairman of Dar Al Halal Group, Alhaji Muhammadu Ladan Dikko; Chairman of the Board of Directors, Bank of Industry, Dr. Mansur Muhtar; Minister of Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole who was represented by Ambassador Nura Rimi; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, represented by Ambassador Mahmoud Lele, and R’representative of the Standard Organization of Nigeria, Hajiya Amina.

Others are the Chairman, Nigeria-Saudi Chamber of Commerce, Engr. Ibrahim Usman; Minister of Finance, Mr. Wale Edun, represented by Nur Muftau Baba Ahmed; CEO of Nigeria Export Promotion Council, Mrs. Nonye Aneyi, represented by Mustapha Aminu; Deputy President of NACCIMA, Alhaji Jani Ibrahim, and Managing Director of Bank of Industry, Mr. Olasupo Olusi, represented by Mrs. Jelilat Ismaila-Ayinde.

VP Shettima had during the Halal Economy Stakeholders Engagement Programme held at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, in September last year emphasized the economic potential of the sector, noting that “increasing Nigeria’s halal exports to OIC markets from two percent to six percent could boost the country’s GDP by $540 million, while strategic import substitution could add nearly $1 billion by 2027.

Kebbi State Governor, Dr Nasir Idris, has fully settled the dowries for 300 couples, amounting to N54 million, as part of a mass wedding initiative organized by NANAS Foundation, a pet project of his wife, Hajiya Nafisa Nasir Idris.

The wedding ceremony, held at the Emir of Gwandu’s palace in Birnin Kebbi on Thursday, saw high-profile dignitaries in attendance.

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, stood as the Wakili (representative) of the grooms, while Emir of Gwandu, retired Maj.-Gen. Muhammad Iliyasu-Bashar represented the brides as Waliyi.

Islamic clerics, including Sheik Muktar Abdullahi (Walin Gwandu), Malam Ahmad S. Pawa (Imam of Jakolo Mosque), and Malam Muhammad (Imam of Wala Mosque), officiated the marriages after the N180,000 dowry for each bride was paid.

Speaking at the event, APC National Secretary, Dr. Tajuddeen Bashiru, emphasized that the mass wedding was not just about uniting couples but also empowering families.

“Kebbi State Government is not only marrying off 300 couples but empowering 300 families,” he said.

Idris, in his remarks, urged the newlyweds to treat each other with fairness and respect. He also expressed gratitude to his wife for initiating the program and pledged to continue supporting it annually.

The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Abubakar Atiku-Bagudu, commended the initiative, describing it as a call to wealthy individuals to assist others in getting married.

Islamic Perspective on Marriage

Islamic scholars, including Sheik Aminu Ibrahim Daurawa, Sheik Mansur Sokoto, Sheik Mansur Isa, and Sheik AbdurRahman Isa-Jega, underscored the significance of marriage in Islam.

Referencing the Qur’an and Hadith, they highlighted the importance of supporting one another in righteousness and noted that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) encouraged capable men to marry.

The event featured generous donations from dignitaries: Kebbi State Government provided furniture, foodstuff, and other marital essentials (excluding accommodation).

Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Atiku-Bagudu, donated N50,000 to each couple.

Rep. Bello Ka’oje (Bagudo/Suru Federal Constituency) gifted each couple N20,000 and an irrigation pumping machine.

This initiative, aimed at promoting family stability and economic empowerment, was widely applauded by attendees.

The reinstated Clerk of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Olalekan Onafeko, has resumed back to his duty post, saying his resumption is based on court’s order.

Onafeko was suspended by the House on January 13, the same day Mudashiru Obasa was removed by 36 of the 40 lawmakers sitting on the fateful day.

However, Onafeko approached the National Industrial Court (NIC), to challenge his indefinite suspension by the House and the court ordered for his reinstatement pending the determination of suit he filed against the state government and others.

Addressing journalists in his office on Thursday, Onafeko emphasized that he was appointed as Clerk in 2022 to serve a four-year term and was eligible for reappointment under the Lagos State House of Assembly Legislative Service Commission Law.

He also expressed his confusion over the suspension, stating that he was not given prior notice and did not commit any offense to warrant such action.

Onafeko said with court’s order reinstating him as clerk of the House, the court has nipped the illegality and the legislative rascality of the on bud.

“By implication, the Court has ordered that I resume my duties as the Clerk of the House pending the hearing of the Motion on Notice for Interlocutory Injunction already filed in the suit. The said order has been duly served on the concerned parties.

“This is victory for the rule of law and ethos of a civil society. The Court is indeed the last hope of the common man including the oppressed”, he said.