The General Overseer of Christ Generation Ministry International and Secretary of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Abia State Chapter, Reverend Dr. Blessed Amalambu, has criticized the Federal Government’s proposal to introduce a National Halal Economic Strategy, describing it as a potential threat to Nigeria’s secular structure and unity.
Speaking in Umuahia during an interview with our correspondent, Dr. Amalambu—who also serves as Assistant Secretary of the PFN South-East Zone and a senior member of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Abia Chapter—questioned the wisdom behind adopting an economic framework rooted in Islamic law for a multi-religious nation.
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According to him, the move by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima to unveil what is being called the “Nigerian National Halal Economic Strategy” is deeply concerning. He explained that the term “Halal” originates from Islamic jurisprudence and should not form the foundation of a national policy in a constitutionally secular country.
“From the inception of this administration, starting with the Muslim-Muslim ticket, I expressed concern about the fate of other religions in Nigeria,” Amalambu stated. “Now, the government is promoting an economic model derived from Islamic law, which directly contradicts the constitutional provision that Nigeria is a secular state.”
The cleric warned that implementing a Halal economic system could create division and misunderstanding among business owners and citizens who may feel excluded or discriminated against based on religious grounds. He emphasized that the 1999 Constitution remains the supreme law of the land and that no policy—economic or otherwise—should undermine it.
Amalambu also urged the National Assembly to act decisively to protect Nigeria’s unity and constitutional identity, noting that silence in the face of such a policy could be interpreted as complicity.
“The National Assembly must reassure Nigerians that it remains independent and committed to the constitution,” he said. “Every lawmaker, regardless of party or faith, swore an oath to defend the constitution—not any religious ideology.”
The cleric further called on President Tinubu to reconsider the initiative, stressing that Nigeria’s economic challenges stem not from a lack of funds but from poor management and corruption.
“Nigeria doesn’t lack money; we lack discipline and integrity,” Amalambu added. “If our leaders manage our resources transparently, there will be no need to introduce a religious economic system.”
His remarks come amid a rising national debate over the Federal Government’s partnership with Saudi Arabia’s Halal Products Development Company (HPDC). The collaboration aims to develop a Halal economy in Nigeria projected to contribute an estimated $1.5 billion to the country’s GDP by 2027.
While government officials and supporters argue that the strategy could attract foreign investment, boost exports, and diversify the economy, critics insist it poses a constitutional dilemma and breaches Section 10 of the 1999 Constitution, which prohibits the adoption of any religion as a state religion.
The controversy reflects the growing tension between economic development goals and constitutional secularism in Nigeria’s diverse society. Analysts say the government must balance international cooperation with respect for the nation’s multi-faith identity.
In his final remarks, Reverend Amalambu appealed for caution, emphasizing that the country’s unity must never be compromised for any economic experiment.
“Nigeria’s secular fabric is what keeps us together,” he said. “Any policy that tilts towards religious bias can tear us apart. Let us focus on building an economy that includes everyone, regardless of faith or belief.”
