By Sarafina Christopher
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (NAN) Nigerian businessmen and women have in large numbers infiltrated Malaysia with a view to exploring opportunities in Malaysian technology, manufacturing partnerships and knowledge transfer to strengthen local production in Nigeria.
The entrepreneurs spoke in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the margins of the 2026 Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS)in Kuala Lumpur, the country’s capital city.
According to them, they are exploring opportunities in palm oil processing, manufacturing, hospitality, food production and business-to-business partnerships.
Mr Victor Ajulo, Chief Executive Officer, Michelle & Anthony Consulting, said he was interested in acquiring the Malaysian technology that would support the development of Nigeria’s palm oil value chain.
The entrepreneur also expressed interest in modern palm oil processing and refining technology.
He added that Nigeria would benefit from Malaysian expertise in processing crude palm oil into higher-value products, while also strengthening training and skills development.
Ajulo also identified education and vocational training as areas where Nigerian institutions could collaborate with Malaysian counterparts.
According to him, more training in hospitality and related sectors can contribute to higher service standards and create employment opportunities.
Mr Noah Ibitoye, Chief Executive Officer, ZyNooh Store in Nigeria, said he was exploring the opportunities of partnerships with Malaysian manufacturers to establish production operations in Nigeria.
“What I’m hoping is that they can come to Nigeria and establish the manufacturing company in Nigeria,” Ibitoye said.
He said his interest also included products such as liquid soap and cosmetics, adding that local production could also increase the use of Nigerian raw materials.
“We are sending analysis, everything to them. We are working so that we can get the local material in Nigeria to provide,” he said.
Ibitoye also said that he had been engaging with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) on regulatory requirements relating to some products.
He said his exposure to Malaysian factories had shown him production systems and technologies that could be adapted to the Nigerian market.
Mrs Queen Ouserigha, Nigerian female entrepreneur and Lead Consultant, Cura Consult Ltd., said MIHAS had demonstrated how structured business matching could connect producers with international buyers based on specific needs.
“Imagine we do that in Nigeria. For all those producing sesame seeds, for instance, we find international buyers. Match them like this,” she said.
Ouserigha, who said she had attended MIHAS several times, said she had already developed business connections with Malaysian companies and working with some partners on manufacturing and certification-related opportunities in Nigeria.
She said Nigerian businesses would benefit from studying Malaysia’s production systems and adapting relevant practices to local circumstances.
“These people are ahead of us. There’s nothing wrong in learning,” Ouserigha said.
She added that MIHAS should be viewed not only as an exhibition but also as a platform for connecting buyers with manufacturers capable of meeting specific requirements.
NAN reports that the 22nd edition of MIHAS, holding from Sept. 23 to Sept. 26, brings together Malaysian exporters, international buyers and industry stakeholders across the halal economy.
The event provides opportunities for business matching, technology exposure and partnerships across sectors, including food and beverages, specialised ingredients, biotechnology, Islamic finance, logistics and education.(NAN)
Edited by Mark Longyen