Nigeria is positioning itself to tap into the rapidly expanding global halal economy estimated at $3.5 trillion, with Malaysia urging Nigerian businesses and exporters to leverage opportunities at the upcoming Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) 2026.
Malaysia’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Aiyub Omar, said MIHAS 2026 would provide Nigerian businesses with access to global partners, suppliers and technology providers needed to strengthen the country’s halal ecosystem.
The trade event, scheduled for September 23–26, 2026 in Kuala Lumpur, is expected to generate about $1.13 billion in trade value, featuring 2,380 exhibition booths and participants from 45 countries, including Nigeria.
Omar described MIHAS as a major gateway into the global halal market and said the event aligns with Nigeria’s recently launched National Halal Economy Strategy.
He noted that the platform would support Nigeria’s ambition to become a major player in the international halal industry.
“MIHAS 2026 would serve as an ideal instrument to support Nigeria’s aspiration of becoming a key player in the global halal economy,” he said.
Trade Counsellor Jude Bryan Dass disclosed that eight Nigerian buyers and 21 participants from across West Africa attended MIHAS 2025 through the International Sourcing Programme (INSP).
He expressed optimism about stronger participation from Nigerian businesses in 2026, including the possibility of a dedicated Nigeria Pavilion.
Approved buyers, he added, would receive incentives such as complimentary accommodation and local transportation during the programme.
Nigeria’s growing trade ties with Malaysia were also highlighted, with Malaysia’s exports to Nigeria rising by 20.7 per cent in 2025 to reach $664 million.
Total trade between both countries increased by 5.9 per cent between January and March 2026, while imports from Nigeria rose by 7.2 per cent during the same period.
MIHAS 2026, themed “Shaping Trust, Driving Resilience,” will showcase halal products and services across sectors including food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, modest fashion, Islamic finance, fintech, hospitality, education and tourism.
Organisers said the event would also deploy digital trade tools to improve business matching and cross-border trade opportunities.
The programme will include the International Sourcing Programme, connecting 250 global buyers with 600 Malaysian exporters, alongside a Hosted Buyer Programme designed to link international exhibitors with Malaysian importers and ASEAN distribution partners.
