Tinubu’s “Nigeria First” Policy Set to Boost Local Industry and Jobs, Says NASENI
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recently launched “Nigeria First” policy has received strong backing from the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), which hailed it as a transformative step for Nigeria’s industrial development. NASENI’s Executive Vice Chairman, Khalil Suleiman Halilu, described the initiative as a game-changer capable of propelling local manufacturing and opening new doors for indigenous entrepreneurs. Central to the policy is a directive instructing the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) to prioritize locally made goods and services in government purchases.
The new policy aims to reduce the country’s dependence on imported products by giving Made-in-Nigeria items preferential treatment in public procurement. Halilu noted that since the government is one of the largest buyers of goods and services in Nigeria, this move is expected to significantly boost demand for locally produced items. By placing indigenous producers at the center of the economy, the policy could encourage more investment in local manufacturing and strengthen national industrial capacity.
NASENI emphasized its ongoing commitment to local content development, highlighting several of its own innovations such as Nigerian-assembled vehicles, smart irrigation systems, renewable energy products, and electronic devices. The agency has also launched Made-in-Nigeria Strategic Focus Group meetings across key states to engage stakeholders on improving local product adoption. These forums bring together manufacturers, regulators, and civil society to identify challenges and solutions to strengthen local production ecosystems.
In support of the policy’s implementation, the BPP is set to maintain a dedicated register of verified Nigerian manufacturers and service providers. This is intended to ensure transparency and streamline the procurement process for government institutions. Halilu reiterated that policy alone will not be enough; he called on local producers to uphold high standards and quality to fully leverage the government’s support. “This is a call to action for local producers,” he said, urging them to meet rising demand without compromising on product standards.
The Nigeria First Policy was one of the key outcomes of a recent Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting and reflects the Tinubu administration’s broader economic agenda to promote domestic industry and job creation. By barring Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) from purchasing foreign goods when local options are available, the policy seeks to stimulate industrial growth and reduce the country’s trade imbalance. Halilu expressed confidence that Nigerian manufacturers are ready to meet the challenge and deliver sustainable industrialization driven by homegrown solutions.
Source: Nairametrics