President Bola Tinubu has mandated a ban on the importation of foreign goods that can be produced domestically in Nigeria. Additionally, he has stipulated that expatriates may only undertake jobs that local contractors can perform if there is valid justification and approval from the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP). This announcement was made by Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, after a Federal Executive Council meeting at the presidential villa on Monday.
Tinubu’s decision aims to bolster Nigeria’s domestic economy and enhance local content through a new policy framework called the “Renewed Hope Nigeria First Policy,” which Idris described as a significant shift in Nigeria’s economic strategy, likening it to Donald Trump’s “America First” doctrine. The policy places an emphasis on prioritizing Nigerian-made products and aims to empower local industries while reducing dependence on foreign goods.
Idris explained that the government seeks to create a new business culture that is assertive and distinctly Nigerian, ensuring that government investments directly benefit local communities and industries by transforming procurement practices. The Attorney General has been tasked with drafting an Executive Order to legally enforce this framework, which is set to be a foundational element of the administration’s economic strategy, particularly in promoting industrialization and import substitution.
Immediate actions approved by the Council include directives for the BPP to revise procurement regulations to favor Nigerian-produced goods across all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs). A robust compliance mechanism will be established to ensure adherence to local content requirements, and a database of reliable Nigerian suppliers will be kept up to date for procurement reference. It was also noted that no MDA can procure foreign goods or services available locally without a written waiver from the BPP.
Furthermore, when procuring foreign contracts, provisions for technology transfer, local production, or capacity development must be included. All MDAs are required to reassess and align their procurement plans with these new policy guidelines, with breaches potentially leading to disciplinary measures and cancellation of procurement processes. Idris highlighted the neglect of local capabilities in the sugar industry as an example, noting Nigeria’s ongoing reliance on sugar imports despite the presence of local producers. “This policy will alter the situation,” he stated. He went on to say that in the future, “Contractors will not just act as middlemen obtaining foreign products while Nigerian factories remain unused.” It is essential that government funds benefit the citizens of Nigeria. The Nigeria First policy is introduced alongside economic reforms under the Tinubu administration, which include the removal of subsidies, a revised foreign exchange system, and initiatives to boost investor confidence. By prioritizing local content in government expenditures, the administration aims to foster job creation, enhance industrial development, and promote sustainable economic growth. Although the implementation of this policy may encounter obstacles and pushback from established procurement interests, officials assert that the administration is committed to ensuring adherence across all sectors. “This marks a significant change in government policy.” According to the minister, “It places Nigeria, rather than foreign firms or imports, at the core of our national growth.” The Renewed Hope Nigeria First Policy is anticipated to begin once President Tinubu signs the Executive Order.
