ABUJA – Nigeria is taking a decisive step to champion its local industries. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially approved the implementation of the “Nigeria First” Policy. This significant policy effectively prohibits government ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) from importing foreign goods if a Nigerian-made equivalent is available. The move is a core part of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aiming to reshape the nation’s economic landscape.
The presidency announced the approval, which followed a key recommendation from Adebowale Adedokun, the Director General of Nigeria’s Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP).
How the “Nigeria First” Policy Will Work
The Bureau of Public Procurement, under DG Dr. Adebowale A. Adedokun, will issue specific guidelines to steer the implementation of this Nigeria First Policy. The government anticipates this directive will energize local manufacturers, create jobs, and spur overall economic growth within the country.
A major immediate change involves new rules for how MDAs buy goods and services. These revised procurement thresholds will now strictly prioritize Nigerian products. If an MDA believes it must procure a foreign item that could be made in Nigeria, it will need to secure a special waiver from the BPP. This measure ensures that preference for local content is actively enforced.
Background: A Push for Self-Sufficiency
This policy formalises and expands on earlier directives. On May 3rd, 2025, President Tinubu had signaled his administration’s direction by ordering a ban on importing certain foreign goods to encourage local production. The Nigeria First Policy now provides a more structured framework to achieve greater economic self-reliance and lessen the nation’s dependence on imported items. The government is optimistic that this focus on homegrown solutions will have a lasting positive effect on Nigeria’s economy and its industrial base. An Executive Order is also anticipated to provide additional legal weight to the policy.
By Kayode Ojo
