President Bola Tinubu has directed all Federal Government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to stop purchasing foreign goods and services where viable local alternatives exist. The new policy, introduced during the Monday Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, aims to strengthen Nigeria’s domestic industries and reduce dependence on imports.
The policy, tagged the Nigeria First Policy, was announced in a statement by the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare as a key part of Tinubu’s broader economic reform agenda. It mandates MDAs to prioritise Nigerian-made products and services in their procurement processes, except in cases where a written waiver is granted by the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP).
“The government must lead by example,” President Tinubu said. “We will make what we use and use what we make—this is not just a slogan, but a national commitment.”
Under the new policy, MDAs are required to conduct immediate audits of their procurement plans and align them with local content guidelines, seek BPP approval before opting for any foreign procurement, face penalties, including contract cancellation and disciplinary action, for non-compliance.
The BPP has been tasked with revising procurement guidelines to favour Nigerian products, establishing a compliance framework, and creating a registry of approved local manufacturers and service providers. It will also take full control of how procurement officers are deployed across agencies.
According to the statement, this shift is part of the government’s drive to support Nigerian enterprises amid broader reforms such as fuel subsidy removal and increased infrastructure spending. It also aims to discourage reliance on contractors who import goods rather than engage local industries.
In cases where local supply is unavailable, contracts will include requirements for technology transfer, skills development, or the promotion of local manufacturing capacity. The sugar industry was cited as an example, where future quota allocations will depend on domestic investment under the National Sugar Master Plan II.
The administration sees this policy as a pivotal step toward building a self-reliant economy rooted in national pride and supported by strong public sector leadership.
