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

The Islamic human rights organization described the move as “disappointing and ill-timed,” alleging that the decision was influenced by pressure from some Christian leaders.

MURIC further urged the Federal Government to revisit the initiative after broader consultation and public enlightenment.

In a statement issued on Friday and signed by its Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, the group condemned what it termed the “demonization” of the halal economic model, describing it as a manifestation of “Islamophobia, parochialism, and primordial sentiment.”

“We strongly condemn this sudden postponement,” Akintola said.

“More importantly, we denounce the demonization of the halal system of economy and the manner in which the postponement came about. It portrays the Federal Government as an administration keen on spoon-feeding Christian leaders and succumbing to their blackmail.”

According to MURIC, opposition to the halal system mirrors earlier resistance to the introduction of Islamic banking in 2010, which eventually proved successful without altering Nigeria’s secular status.

“When Islamic banking was introduced, there were fears it would Islamize Nigeria. Yet, over a decade later, Nigeria remains a secular nation, and Islamic banks continue to operate peacefully alongside conventional ones,” the statement read.

The group also cited the success of Sukuk bonds as another example of Islamic finance contributing positively to national development despite initial opposition.

“Of all the infrastructural financing windows in Nigeria today, Sukuk remains the most effective. Yet, the hullabaloo that erupted when it was introduced could have brought the sky down,” MURIC noted.

Professor Akintola criticized what he described as “Western-Christian economic dominance” based on high interest rates, contrasting it with the halal economy’s emphasis on interest-free transactions.

“Nigerian banks charge as high as 30 percent interest, while the halal economy promotes fairness and inclusiveness through non-interest principles. The difference is clear,” he said.

The organization expressed disappointment that the government, which “boldly confronted the subsidy cabal,” could develop cold feet in the face of religious opposition.

“It is regrettable that a government that took on entrenched interests suddenly caught pneumonia because two clergymen coughed,” Akintola said metaphorically, accusing the FG of marginalizing Muslims despite a “Muslim-Muslim ticket” at the helm of leadership.

MURIC urged the government to act as a neutral father figure in managing interfaith relations and to ensure equitable treatment of all citizens.

“FG must not abdicate its fatherly role. It is the duty of a father to ensure fairness among his children. No child should feel marginalized or abandoned,” Akintola emphasized.

The group concluded by calling on the Federal Government to revisit the postponed Halal economy launch, emphasizing that “robust enlightenment and wider consultation” would help dispel misconceptions and foster understanding.