Updated: Misleading Halal Labels in Nigeria Undermine Consumer Rights, Market Integrity – Expert

Updated: Misleading Halal Labels in Nigeria Undermine Consumer Rights, Market Integrity – Expert 

Nigeria’s booming Halal market is facing a serious challenge as products are increasingly labelled Halal without credible certification, professional audits, or disclosure of recognised certifying bodies, raising concerns over consumer rights, ethical trade, and religious accountability.

According to Dr. Saheed Ashafa of Osun State University, who is also an auditor with Halal and Agrofood Compliance Certification Services (HACCS), these unverified claims are deceptive and unethical, violating both the rights of Muslim consumers and market integrity.

“Halal is not merely a logo or marketing phrase,” Dr. Ashafa emphasised. “It is a structured compliance system grounded in Islamic jurisprudence, food safety principles, traceability, and conformity assessment. Arbitrary labelling without verification misleads consumers, undermines fair competition, and erodes public trust.”

Consumer Rights Must Be Asserted
Ashafa urged Muslim consumers to exercise vigilance, asking questions such as: Who certified this product? Was an audit conducted? Which standards were followed? He stressed that verifying Halal compliance is not antagonistic but a lawful and ethical consumer responsibility, particularly given the complexities of modern food production and processing.

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Market Integrity and Fair Competition
False Halal claims distort the market, placing compliant businesses at a disadvantage. Regulatory bodies like the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) are mandated to protect consumers from deceptive practices. Public support, enforcement, and transparency are key to restoring integrity.

Responsibility of Scholars and Religious Endorsers
Ashafa highlighted the role of religious figures who endorse products without proper audits. He reminded them that Islam places immense value on trust (Amanah) and that misleading endorsements compromise both Halal sanctity and public confidence in Islamic institutions.

Lessons from Abroad and the Role of Government
Countries such as Australia and New Zealand have regulated Halal markets where certifiers are identifiable, audits are transparent, and violations attract sanctions.

Ashafa called on Nigerian authorities to enforce truthful labelling, penalise deceptive claims, and support credible certification and accreditation frameworks.

He concluded that the integrity of Halal depends on a collective effort—consumers asking questions, businesses operating transparently, scholars acting with conscience, and regulators enforcing laws. Only then can Nigeria’s Halal market thrive while protecting religious rights, consumer interests, and market credibility.

Updated: Misleading Halal Labels in Nigeria Undermine Consumer Rights, Market Integrity – Expert