The Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) is taking steps to amend the Public Procurement Act (PPA) of 2007, aiming to bolster Nigeria’s manufacturing sector. During the opening of the Made in Nigeria Exhibition (MiNE) 2024, Olusegun Omotola, the Acting Director General of BPP, emphasized the critical role of effective procurement policies in enhancing local manufacturing capabilities. This initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda and seeks to protect and promote locally produced goods, which are vital for stimulating economic growth and job creation.
Omotola pointed out the importance of learning from successful global strategies, such as China’s decade-long plan to increase domestic content to 70% by 2025. He articulated that prioritizing locally manufactured products can lead to various benefits, including innovation, reduced import dependency, and a stronger industrial base. The call for government action comes as the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) urges a strategic approach to domestic manufacturing that mirrors successful international examples.
Although Nigeria has made strides through initiatives like Executive Orders 003 and 005, which were introduced in 2017 to support local content in public procurement, Omotola stressed the necessity for further action. He believes that by building on these existing frameworks, Nigeria can fully harness the potential of public procurement to uplift its manufacturing sector and achieve sustainable economic development.
