President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the Renewed Hope Nigeria First policy, which mandates all federal ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) to prioritize Nigerian-made goods, services, and expertise in the execution of government contracts.
Announcing the policy after the Federal Executive Council meeting, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, described the move as a major shift in Nigeria’s economic direction—comparable to former U.S. President Donald Trump’s “America First” policy.
“The Nigeria First policy puts our country at the centre of all government procurement. It’s about building confidence in our local industries and reducing dependence on foreign imports,” Idris said.
He emphasized that the new framework would transform how government resources are spent, ensuring that public funds contribute directly to the development of local businesses and industries.
To give the policy legal backing, President Tinubu has directed the Attorney General of the Federation to draft an Executive Order for immediate implementation.
Key components of the policy include:
Revised procurement rules by the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), compelling MDAs to give preference to Nigerian goods and services.
Creation of a compliance mechanism to monitor and enforce adherence to local content requirements.
Establishment of a supplier database showcasing verified Nigerian companies, which will guide all federal procurement decisions.
Reversion of procurement officers to the BPP to reduce undue influence and enhance transparency.
Strict waiver protocol: No foreign goods or services will be procured if suitable local alternatives exist, unless explicitly approved by the BPP.
Mandatory local benefits: Contracts involving foreign firms must include clauses for technology transfer, local production, or capacity building.
Immediate review of all MDA procurement plans to align with the new directive, with penalties for non-compliance.
The Nigeria First policy is set to become a cornerstone of the Tinubu administration’s economic strategy, aimed at accelerating industrialization and promoting self-reliance through import substitution and domestic value creation.
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