Engaging Islamic banking and finance experts in embedding medicinal plants and fruits into halal food industry between Saudi Arabia and Nigeria

Introduction Bilateral engagement between Saudi Arabia and Nigeria in the halal food sector has recently gained prominence for its potential economic benefits. Despite this growth, limited research has examined how medicinal plants and fruits can be integrated into the halal food industry across both countries. An even greater gap exists regarding the role of Islamic banking and finance experts in facilitating this integration. Objective This study explores the potential involvement of Islamic banking and finance experts in supporting the integration of Nigerian medicinal plants and fruits into Saudi Arabia's halal food sector. Methods The study adopts a library-based research design using analytical content analysis. It reviews secondary data and existing literature from Saudi Arabia and Nigeria to identify prospects, challenges, and opportunities for harmonizing medicinal plant and fruit products within the halal ecosystem. Results Findings indicate that Nigeria's abundant medicinal plants and fruits present significant value for Saudi Arabia's halal sector. Successful integration requires Nigerian farmers to comply with Saudi halal standards, particularly regarding supply chain management and certification. Islamic banking and finance professionals, together with halal industry stakeholders, contribute to ensuring that plant- and fruit-based products meet Islamic dietary regulations—such as avoiding alcohol in extraction and preventing contamination with nonhalal substances. Existing studies largely focus on anti-infective and cardiovascular applications, reflecting prevalent health needs and traditional practices that rely on halal, Sharī‘ah-compliant natural resources. Implications Experts in Islamic banking and finance should actively engage producers, suppliers, distributors, and consumers to uphold halal standards across the supply chain in both countries, thereby strengthening cross-border collaboration and value creation in the halal food industry.