President Bola Tinubu has authorized the introduction of the Renewed Hope Nigeria-First policy, which mandates that all federal ministries, departments, and agencies prioritize Nigerian-made goods, services, and expertise when utilizing public funds.
The announcement was made by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, after the Federal Executive Council’s meeting at the Aso Rock Villa in Abuja on Monday.
Idris stated that the new policy is designed to ensure that every naira spent by the government directly benefits Nigeria, positioning the nation at the core of all public spending.
To solidify this policy, an Executive Order will be issued in the coming days to make it legally binding, Idris added.
This initiative mirrors the “America First” approach promoted by former U.S. President Donald Trump.
The Minister emphasized that the policy is aimed at boosting local industries, reducing reliance on imported goods, and ensuring Nigeria takes priority in all government procurement and business operations. He highlighted that whenever local alternatives are available, imports should not be considered.
“The policy ensures that Nigerian interests are at the forefront of government dealings,” Idris noted, adding that the Attorney-General has been directed to draft the Executive Order to enshrine the policy in law, which will bring significant changes to how the government spends, procures, and supports the economy.
Under the new regulations, the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) will revise its guidelines to favor local manufacturers and service providers. The BPP will establish a Local Content Compliance Framework, maintain a register of high-quality Nigerian suppliers, and oversee the deployment of procurement officers to ensure adherence to these new guidelines.
Furthermore, ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) are now prohibited from purchasing foreign goods or services that are already available locally unless a waiver is granted by the BPP. Where no local alternatives exist, contracts must include provisions for technology transfer, local production, or skills development, in line with similar strategies in the Sugar Master Plan to promote domestic investment.
MDAs have been instructed to review and submit updated procurement plans for 2025 that comply with the new standards by an immediate deadline.
“No foreign goods or services that are available in Nigeria shall be procured without justification and a BPP waiver,” the directive stated.
The Attorney-General, Lateef Fagbemi, has been tasked with drafting an Executive Order to legally enforce the policy.
Leave a Reply