In a decisive step to strengthen domestic production and reduce reliance on imports, President Bola Tinubu has announced a ban on federal agencies procuring foreign goods and services where Nigerian alternatives are available.
The directive, approved at Monday’s Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, forms the core of the newly introduced “Nigeria First Policy”—a sweeping initiative aimed at enforcing local content compliance, revitalizing indigenous industries, and overhauling government procurement practices.
Key Highlights of the Policy
– Strict Local Procurement Mandate: All Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) must now source Nigerian-made goods and services unless granted a written waiver by the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP).
– Procurement Audits Required: MDAs have been ordered to immediately review and realign their procurement plans with the new local content rules.
– Sanctions for Violations: Non-compliance will result in contract cancellations and disciplinary action against erring officials.
– BPP Empowered: The procurement bureau has been tasked with revising guidelines, maintaining a database of qualified local suppliers, and reassuming control over procurement officer deployments across agencies.
“We Will Make What We Use and Use What We Make”
In a statement issued by Sunday Dare, Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication, President Tinubu emphasized that the policy marks a shift toward self-reliance and national pride.
“We must foster a new business culture—bold, confident, and Nigerian. The government must lead by example,” Tinubu declared. “Going forward, Nigerian industry will take precedence in all procurement. Where local supply falls short, contracts will be structured to build capacity here. Contractors will no longer serve as middlemen importing foreign goods while our factories remain idle.”
Broader Economic Strategy
The move aligns with the administration’s recent economic reforms, including subsidy removal, infrastructure investments, and efforts to attract foreign capital. While multinationals like Shell, Total, and ExxonMobil have pledged new investments, the government is now prioritizing the empowerment of local businesses.
The statement criticized Nigeria’s procurement system for favouring import-dependent intermediaries over domestic manufacturers. Under the new framework, contracts without viable local alternatives must include provisions for technology transfer, skills development, or local production expansion.
Focus on Key Sectors
The sugar industry was highlighted as a critical sector where backward integration and local investment will determine quota allocations under the National Sugar Master Plan II.
A New Era of Economic Patriotism
The Tinubu administration frames this policy as the beginning of a transformative era—one driven by enterprise, self-sufficiency, and strong public-sector leadership.
“This is not just a slogan; it is a national commitment,” the President affirmed. “We will invest in our people and industries by changing how we spend, procure, and build.”
With this directive, Nigeria takes a bold step toward reducing its import dependency and unlocking the potential of its local industries. The success of the policy, however, will hinge on rigorous enforcement and sustained political will.
What’s Next?
Stakeholders will be watching closely as the BPP rolls out revised procurement guidelines and MDAs adjust to the new requirements. For Nigerian manufacturers, this could be the long-awaited catalyst for growth—if implementation matches the rhetoric.
