Daily Justice - Latest News Updates in Nigeria

6 May 2025
In a landmark announcement following the Federal Executive Council meeting, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu unveiled the "Nigeria First Policy," a sweeping initiative aimed at prioritising local content, stimulating Nigerian industry, and fostering national pride. The policy, described as a new era of self-belief and economic independence, mandates prioritising locally made goods and services in government procurement, with stringent guidelines to ensure compliance. Tinubu declared, “We will make what we use and use what we make — not as a slogan, but as a national commitment.” Yet, the policy has sparked intense debate, with critics pointing to the administration’s own reliance on foreign goods and services as evidence of hypocrisy. This article examines the policy’s potential and its contradictions, questioning whether it represents a genuine shift or a hollow promise.

The Nigeria First Policy is positioned as a cornerstone of Tinubu’s economic reforms, which include improving the business climate, removing subsidies, and investing in infrastructure. The policy seeks to address the private sector’s failure to capitalise on these reforms by fostering a “new business culture — bold, confident, and Nigerian.” Key directives include:
Revised Procurement Guidelines: The Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) is tasked with enforcing a “Local Content Compliance Framework” to prioritise locally made goods and maintain a register of high-quality Nigerian manufacturers and service providers.
MDA Accountability: Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) must justify procuring foreign goods when local alternatives exist, with contracts structured to include technology transfer or local production where viable options are absent.
Sanctions for Non-Compliance: Breaches of the policy will result in procurement cancellations and disciplinary actions against responsible officers.
The policy also aligns with existing initiatives, such as the National Sugar Master Plan II, which aims to boost domestic raw sugar production and reduce imports through backward integration. Tinubu’s administration argues that these measures will stimulate Nigerian industries, create jobs, and reduce dependence on foreign goods, thereby enhancing economic sovereignty.
Despite the policy’s ambitious rhetoric, critics argue it is undermined by the administration’s own practices. President Tinubu’s personal and governmental choices reveal a preference for foreign goods and services, casting doubt on the policy’s sincerity:
Foreign Vehicles: Tinubu’s use of a Cadillac made in the USA and a fleet of German-made Mercedes-Benz vehicles starkly contrasts with the policy’s call to patronise local industries. Innoson Motors, a Nigerian manufacturer, has been notably overlooked, despite producing vehicles tailored for local needs. Similarly, the National Assembly’s decision to import Toyota vehicles for senators and representatives further highlights this disconnect.
Aso Rock Furnishings: The presidential villa, Aso Rock, is reportedly furnished with imported items, from lighting to rugs, none of which are locally produced. This undermines the policy’s emphasis on using “what we make.”
Foreign Assets and Healthcare: Tinubu’s ownership of a house in London and his reported patronage of foreign health institutions suggest a lack of confidence in Nigeria’s own systems. Critics argue that a leader championing a “Nigeria First” ethos should demonstrate trust in local healthcare and infrastructure.
Presidential Aircraft: The purchase of a plane from France for official use further exemplifies the administration’s reliance on foreign suppliers, bypassing opportunities to invest in or develop local aviation capabilities.
These contradictions have led detractors to label the Nigeria First Policy a “scam” and a “lie from hell,” arguing that it is mere political posturing rather than a genuine commitment to local enterprise.

In contrast, the United States provides a model of leadership aligning with a “buy local” ethos. The U.S. President’s official vehicle, known as “The Beast,” is a custom-built Cadillac manufactured by General Motors, an American company. Similarly, the White House’s furnishings, from furniture to decor, are predominantly sourced from American manufacturers, reflecting a commitment to supporting domestic industries. This practice not only boosts the U.S. economy but also reinforces national pride and confidence in local craftsmanship. Nigeria’s failure to emulate this approach—such as by patronising Innoson Motors or local furniture makers—highlights a missed opportunity to lead by example and undermines the credibility of the Nigeria First Policy.

The Nigeria First Policy, in theory, addresses a critical need to bolster local industries and reduce Nigeria’s import dependency. By prioritising procurement of locally made goods, the policy could stimulate economic growth, create jobs, and foster innovation. The emphasis on backward integration, as seen in the sugar industry, demonstrates a practical approach to building industrial capacity. Moreover, the policy’s enforcement mechanisms — such as the Local Content Compliance Framework and sanctions for non-compliance — suggest a serious intent to drive change.
However, the administration’s credibility is severely undermined by its own actions. The preference for foreign vehicles, furnishings, and even healthcare reflects a systemic issue: a lack of trust in Nigerian products and services, even among the nation’s leaders. This sends a conflicting message to the private sector and citizens, who are expected to embrace local content while the government does otherwise. The policy risks being perceived as performative unless Tinubu and his administration lead by example, patronising Nigerian manufacturers like Innoson Motors and ensuring that government facilities reflect the “use what we make” ethos.

Furthermore, the policy’s success hinges on implementation. Nigeria’s history is littered with well-intentioned policies that faltered due to corruption, bureaucratic inefficiencies, or lack of follow-through. The BPP’s ability to enforce compliance and the MDAs’ willingness to adhere to new guidelines will be critical. Without robust monitoring and accountability, the policy could become another slogan, as Tinubu himself cautioned against.

The Nigeria First Policy has the potential to reshape Nigeria’s economic landscape by prioritising local enterprise and fostering national pride. However, its success depends on the administration’s ability to align its actions with its rhetoric. President Tinubu must demonstrate unwavering commitment to Nigerian products and services, starting with his own choices. Patronising Innoson Motors, equipping Aso Rock with locally made furnishings, and investing in domestic healthcare would signal genuine intent. Until then, the policy risks being dismissed as a hypocritical gesture, overshadowed by the administration’s foreign preferences. For Nigeria to truly come first, its leaders must embody the change they preach.