Group accuses government of yielding to Christian pressure, demands revisit of $1 trillion Halal economy launch

By Sadiq Abdulfatah

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has condemned the Federal Government over the postponement of the $1 trillion National Halal Presentation Ceremony, which was originally scheduled to hold on Monday, 27th October, 2025.

In a statement issued on Friday, 31st October, 2025, by its Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, the Islamic human rights organization described the postponement as a result of undue influence from Christian leaders, accusing the government of “succumbing to blackmail.”

MURIC expressed disappointment at what it called the “demonization of the halal system of economy” and demanded that the Federal Government revisit the policy after proper consultation and enlightenment.

“We strongly condemn this sudden postponement. More importantly, we denounce the demonization of the halal system of economy. It portrays the Federal Government as an administration keen on spoon-feeding Christian leaders and succumbing to their blackmail,” the statement read in part.

The group alleged that the opposition to the halal initiative was driven by Islamophobia and parochial sentiments, similar to the resistance faced by Islamic banking and Sukuk financing in the past.

Akintola noted that fears expressed during the introduction of Islamic banking had proven unfounded, as the system has contributed positively to Nigeria’s financial sector without religious implications.

“Has Nigeria been Islamized since the introduction of Islamic banking? Has a single Christian converted to Islam on account of coming in contact with an Islamic bank?” he queried.

According to MURIC, the halal economic model built on interest-free transactions offers a more ethical and sustainable alternative to what it termed the “Shylock mentality” of interest-based Western systems.

The group criticized the government for backing down on a policy it described as capable of transforming the nation’s economy, likening the decision to “catching pneumonia because two Christian clergies coughed.”

MURIC further warned that the imbalance in interfaith relations and perceived favoritism could force Muslims to “go back to the drawing board and restrategize.”

It urged the Federal Government to demonstrate fairness and equity in handling religious matters, insisting that both Islamic and Christian perspectives should be reflected in national policies.

“To this end, we call on FG to revisit the postponed halal policy. More robust enlightenment and consultation sessions will clear the fog,” Akintola concluded.