Tinubu Unveils “Nigeria First Policy” To Boost Local Industry.
In a bold move to bolster Nigeria’s economy, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced the “Nigeria First Policy,” a sweeping initiative aimed at prioritising local industries in all government procurement activities. The policy, revealed on Sunday, seeks to curb reliance on foreign goods and services, promote homegrown solutions, and enhance domestic manufacturing capacity.
Under the new directive, Nigerian industries will take precedence in procurement processes across all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs). President Tinubu emphasised that contractors will no longer act as intermediaries for foreign products while local factories remain underutilised. In cases where local supply is insufficient, contracts will be structured to foster technology transfer, local production, and skills development.
Key Directives to Transform Procurement
The President issued a series of orders to ensure the policy’s swift implementation. The Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) has been tasked with revising procurement guidelines to prioritise locally made goods. A “Local Content Compliance Framework” will be established, alongside a register of high-quality Nigerian manufacturers and service providers regularly engaged by the federal government. The BPP will also oversee the deployment of procurement officers to MDAs to ensure efficiency and compliance.
MDAs have been instructed to halt procurement of foreign goods or services available locally unless justified and approved with a written waiver from the BPP. Where no viable local option exists, contracts must include provisions for building local capacity, such as technology transfer or skills development. The President cited the Sugar Master Plan as an example, noting that quota allocations should consider participants’ investments in backward integration and compliance with the plan.
All MDAs are required to conduct immediate audits of their procurement plans and submit revised versions aligned with the new directives. Breaches will result in severe consequences, including contract cancellations and disciplinary action against responsible officers.
A Boost for Nigerian Industry
The “Nigeria First Policy” is expected to revitalise domestic industries, create jobs, and reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imports. By prioritising local manufacturers and service providers, the government aims to stimulate economic growth and foster self-reliance.
“This is a transformative step towards building a stronger, more resilient Nigeria,” President Tinubu said. “Our industries have the potential to compete globally, and this policy ensures they are given the opportunity to thrive.”
The announcement has been met with optimism from industry leaders, who see it as a catalyst for innovation and investment in local production. As the BPP and MDAs begin implementing the President’s orders, Nigerians await the tangible benefits of a policy that places the nation’s economic future firmly in its own hands.
