Daily Justice - Latest News Updates in Nigeria

Abuja, Nigeria – 6 May 2025
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced the "Nigeria First" policy, a bold initiative aimed at prioritising local content, stimulating Nigerian industry, and fostering national pride. Unveiled during a Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, the policy seeks to reform government procurement practices to favour locally made goods and services, marking what Tinubu described as "a new era of local enterprise and self-belief."

The "Nigeria First" policy mandates that all government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) prioritise Nigerian manufacturers and service providers in procurement processes. The Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) has been directed to revise guidelines, enforce a "Local Content Compliance Framework," and maintain a register of high-quality Nigerian suppliers. MDAs must now justify any procurement of foreign goods or services, with contracts structured to promote technology transfer and local production where local options are unavailable. Breaches will attract sanctions, including contract cancellations and disciplinary action.

Tinubu highlighted the policy’s alignment with his administration’s broader economic reforms, which include improving the business climate, removing subsidies, and investing in infrastructure. He cited rising foreign reserves, increased oil output, and multi-billion-dollar commitments from firms like Shell, Total, and ExxonMobil as evidence of progress. Agriculture, a key focus, is also set to benefit, with the National Sugar Master Plan II driving efforts to boost domestic sugar production and reduce imports.

"This policy beckons a new era of local content enterprise, self-belief, and national pride," Tinubu declared, urging the private sector to seize opportunities created by these reforms. He criticised the prevailing "dealmaking" culture, where intermediaries profit by exporting value rather than creating it, and vowed to foster a "bold, confident, and Nigerian" business ethos.

While the "Nigeria First" policy has been hailed as a step towards economic sovereignty, critics argue it is undermined by Tinubu’s own record of patronising foreign goods and services. The President’s frequent medical trips abroad, including to foreign health institutions, have drawn scrutiny, with many questioning why he has not prioritised Nigeria’s healthcare system. Similarly, his purchase of a presidential aircraft from France and use of a US-made Cadillac have been cited as contradictions, especially given the existence of local manufacturers like Innoson Motors.

Further fuelling scepticism, reports indicate that many items in Aso Rock – from lighting fixtures to rugs – are imported, despite the availability of Nigerian alternatives. Critics argue that Tinubu’s administration has failed to lead by example, casting doubt on the sincerity of the "Nigeria First" rhetoric. "How can the President champion local content when his own choices reflect a preference for foreign products?" asked Chidi Okoye, a Lagos-based policy analyst. "This policy risks being seen as mere posturing unless it is matched by action at the highest levels."

Supporters, however, contend that Tinubu’s foreign purchases were pragmatic decisions driven by quality, reliability, or necessity. They argue that the "Nigeria First" policy is a forward-looking commitment to building local capacity, not an admission of past shortcomings. "No nation transitions to full self-reliance overnight," said Aisha Bello, a pro-government commentator. "This policy sets a clear direction for the future."

The success of the "Nigeria First" policy will hinge on its implementation. The BPP’s ability to enforce compliance, coupled with the willingness of MDAs to overhaul procurement practices, will be critical. The private sector, too, must rise to the challenge, as Tinubu noted its lukewarm response to earlier reforms. With agriculture and manufacturing poised to benefit, industries like sugar production could serve as early litmus tests for the policy’s impact.