President Tinubu Enacts ‘Nigeria First’ Policy to Prioritize Local Goods in Government Procurement
In a decisive move to bolster Nigeria’s domestic economy, President Bola Tinubu has introduced the “Renewed Hope Nigeria First Policy,” effectively banning federal Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) from procuring foreign goods or services that are readily available within the country. This policy mandates that any exceptions require a written waiver from the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) .
Key Highlights of the Policy:
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Mandatory Local Procurement: All MDAs are now required to prioritize Nigerian-made goods and services in their procurement processes. Foreign alternatives can only be considered if a waiver is obtained from the BPP, ensuring that local options are thoroughly evaluated first.
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Centralized Oversight: Procurement officers across MDAs will be redeployed to the BPP to enhance oversight and ensure strict adherence to the new guidelines. This move aims to reduce undue influence and corruption in procurement activities.
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Supplier Database: The BPP will maintain an up-to-date database of high-quality Nigerian suppliers, serving as the primary reference for all government procurement decisions.
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Technology Transfer Requirements: In cases where foreign contracts are unavoidable, they must include provisions for technology transfer, local production, or capacity development within Nigeria.
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Compliance and Enforcement: MDAs are instructed to review and resubmit their procurement plans to align with the new policy directives. Any breaches will result in disciplinary actions, including possible cancellation of procurement processes .
Rationale Behind the Policy:
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, emphasized that the policy aims to foster a new business culture that is bold, confident, and distinctly Nigerian. By placing Nigeria at the center of all public procurement and business activities, the government seeks to empower local industries and reduce dependency on foreign imports.
Idris highlighted the inefficiencies in the current system, citing the continued importation of sugar despite the existence of the Nigerian Sugar Council and several local producers. “Government money must now work for the Nigerian people,” he stated, underscoring the need to support domestic industries .
Implementation and Legal Backing:
To give the policy full legal effect, the Attorney General of the Federation has been directed to draft an Executive Order. Once signed by President Tinubu, this order will formalize the policy, ensuring its enforcement across all federal MDAs.
Implications for the Nigerian Economy:
The “Nigeria First” policy is part of a broader economic reform agenda under the Tinubu administration, which includes subsidy removals, a new foreign exchange regime, and efforts to restore investor confidence. By making local content central to government spending, the administration aims to drive job creation, industrial growth, and sustainable economic development.
While the policy may face implementation challenges and resistance from entrenched procurement interests, officials assert that the government is committed to enforcing compliance at all levels. “This is a major shift in government policy. It puts Nigeria—not foreign companies, not imports—at the heart of our national development,” Minister Idris concluded .
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