The Federal Government has reiterated its determination to elevate locally made goods by embedding “Nigeria First” into procurement policies and reviving key industries like textiles, signaling a stronger drive toward economic self-reliance.
The Federal Executive Council recently reaffirmed its commitment to advancing locally manufactured products through the “Nigeria First” policy, which mandates that government procurement processes prioritize Nigerian-made goods over foreign imports. The policy, set to be enforced via an Executive Order, reshapes public spending to bolster local industries and shield the economy from external shocks.
READ ALSO: Korea pledges to expand smart school project in Nigeria
At a media briefing, Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment John Enoh noted that the Nigeria First policy was integral to President Bola Tinubu’s industrialization and job creation agenda. During an industrial tour of Sunflag Nigeria Ltd., he pledged to revive the textile industry and support its value chains—a sector that once employed hundreds of thousands but now struggles amid competition from smuggled imports.
The government also highlighted the macroeconomic benefits of the Nigeria First policy: an estimated ₦3 trillion annual boost to the economy, a 20% growth in manufacturing over the next three years, a 30% reduction in imports, and creation of more than 500,000 jobs.
Additionally, the Bureau of Public Procurement, in collaboration with NASENI (National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure), signed a Memorandum of Understanding to integrate Nigerian-made technologies into government procurement. This includes NASENI innovations such as locally assembled tractors, tablets, solar backup systems, and drones—now accessible through the Nigeria Open Contracting Portal to streamline procurement.
Industry stakeholders have welcomed the government’s renewed emphasis. However, they caution that the policy’s success will depend on local producers’ ability to consistently meet quality and supply standards, coupled with consumer support to embrace homegrown goods.
NAN
