President Bola Tinubu has approved a bold new procurement initiative—the Renewed Hope Nigeria‑First policy—designed to prioritize Nigerian-made products, services, and expertise in all government spending.
Announced after Monday’s Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting in Abuja, the policy will soon be backed by an Executive Order, according to the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris.
“This directive puts Nigeria at the heart of every kobo spent by government,” Idris stated, echoing the nationalist tone of former U.S. President Donald Trump’s “America First” approach.
Policy Objectives: Spend Nigerian, Grow Nigerian
The core goal of the Nigeria‑First policy is to stimulate local industries and reduce dependence on foreign imports by mandating that federal ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) favor Nigerian alternatives when procuring goods and services.
“If a locally made option exists, there is absolutely no justification for importing,” Idris emphasized. “The President wants every contract and public expenditure to reflect confidence in Nigerian capability.”
Key Directives and Enforcement Measures
To ensure full implementation, the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) has been tasked with updating procurement guidelines and creating a Local Content Compliance Framework. Key components include:
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Exclusive Preference for Local Options: No foreign products or services are to be purchased if suitable Nigerian alternatives exist.
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BPP Waivers Required: Agencies must secure formal approval from the BPP before engaging foreign vendors.
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Supplier Registry: A national register of qualified Nigerian vendors will be maintained to streamline local sourcing.
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Contract Clauses for Imports: Where foreign procurement is unavoidable, contracts must include terms for technology transfer, local production, or skills development—mirroring strategies from Nigeria’s Sugar Master Plan.
Immediate Next Steps for MDAs
All MDAs have been instructed to audit and revise their 2025 procurement plans to align with the new Nigeria‑First directive. The policy explicitly bars any non-local procurement without a compelling justification and written waiver from the BPP.
Attorney-General Lateef Fagbemi has been directed to draft the Executive Order that will give the policy the full force of law.
A Shift in Government Spending Strategy
The Nigeria‑First policy signals a major shift in public sector procurement, with a strong push to empower domestic businesses, enhance local capacity, and retain wealth within the country.
“Going forward, how we spend, procure, and build must invest in our people and economy,” said Idris, underscoring the government’s commitment to long-term industrial growth.
