After nearly a decade of operations, the Halal Certification Authority (HCA) has rebranded as the Halal and Haram Distinction Development Initiative (HDI). The new identity was unveiled on July 6, 2026, at a press conference held at the Hajj Mabrur Building in Lagos, attended by the organisation's management team, Islamic scholars, industry stakeholders, and members of the press.

Speaking at the event, HDI Chairman Professor Ibrahim Oreagba described the rebrand as more than a change of name — a reflection of the organisation's growing mandate and its continued commitment to ethical standards, transparency, global compliance, and consumer confidence.

Since its founding in 2016, HCA has certified over 100 companies and more than 300 products across sectors including food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, logistics, and tourism. The rebrand comes as the organisation pursues international recognition from Malaysia's JAKIM and Indonesia's BPJPH, positioning Nigerian halal-certified products for greater acceptance in global markets.

As part of its expansion, HDI also announced its Fifth International Halal Seminar, scheduled for August 19, 2026, at NECA House, Alausa, Ikeja, under the theme "Halal Development Beyond Borders." The event will feature expert presentations, capacity-building sessions, masterclasses, business matchmaking, and a halal products exhibition.

HDI's Secretary General, Dr. Shakirudeen Ajani, noted that the rebranding reflects the organisation's steady growth and the need to align with evolving global realities, as HDI continues to build a transparent and internationally recognised halal ecosystem for Nigeri