President Bola Tinubu has announced a new policy prohibiting Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) from procuring foreign goods or services that are already available locally, unless a written waiver is obtained from the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP).
Additionally, the policy restricts the use of expatriates for tasks that can be performed by Nigerian contractors or artisans, unless there is a strong justification and explicit approval from the BPP.
The policy, introduced on May 5 following a Federal Executive Council meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, is part of the “Renewed Hope Nigeria First Policy.” According to Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, the initiative aims to boost the domestic economy, promote local content, and reduce Nigeria’s reliance on foreign imports. Idris compared the policy to former U.S. President Donald Trump’s “America First” doctrine.
“The Nigeria First Policy centers our country in public procurement and business activity, with a focus on empowering local industries,” Idris stated. “This initiative seeks to foster a bold, confident, and uniquely Nigerian business culture.”
To enforce the policy, the Attorney General has been directed to draft an Executive Order. Key directives under the policy include:
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Revised Procurement Rules: The BPP will issue new guidelines prioritizing Nigerian-made goods and local services for all MDAs.
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Compliance Mechanism: A monitoring system will ensure adherence to local content requirements.
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Supplier Database: The BPP will maintain an updated list of qualified Nigerian suppliers as the default reference for procurement.
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Centralized Procurement Oversight: Procurement officers in MDAs will report directly to the BPP to minimize corruption.
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Mandatory Waivers: No MDA can procure foreign goods or services available locally without a written waiver from the BPP.
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Technology Transfer: Foreign contracts deemed necessary must include provisions for local capacity building, production, or technology transfer.
Idris emphasized that all MDAs must review and resubmit their procurement plans in accordance with the policy, with breaches resulting in disciplinary action or cancellation of the procurement process.
He cited the continued importation of sugar despite domestic production as an example of inefficiency the policy aims to eliminate, stating, “Government money must now work for the Nigerian people. Contractors will no longer be allowed to act as mere intermediaries importing foreign goods while Nigerian factories remain underutilized.”
The Nigeria First Policy is the latest in a series of economic reforms under the Tinubu administration, which also include subsidy removals, a new foreign exchange framework, and initiatives to boost investor confidence. While officials acknowledge potential resistance and implementation challenges, they are committed to strict enforcement.
“This marks a fundamental shift. It places Nigeria—not foreign companies or imports—at the heart of our national development,” Idris concluded.
