Nigeria First’ Policy to Generate N3 Trillion for Economy, Says Trade Minister

The Federal Government has projected earnings of about N3 trillion from its ‘Nigeria First’ policy, a campaign designed to encourage the patronage of locally made goods and services. The initiative, according to the Minister of State for Industry, Trade, and Investment, Senator John Enoh, is expected to deliver significant short-term economic gains if successfully implemented.

Speaking at a ministerial briefing ahead of the West Africa Industrialisation, Manufacturing & Trade (West Africa IMT) Summit and Exhibition 2025, scheduled for Lagos from October 21 to 23, Senator Enoh emphasized the government’s commitment to promoting local industries. He said the ministry would soon launch a nationwide campaign to push the “Made-in-Nigeria” narrative in line with the presidential directive on the policy.

Enoh explained that changing consumer attitudes is central to the success of the campaign. He noted that Nigerians often show preference for imported products, a trend that undermines local producers. By redirecting demand to domestic goods and services, he argued, the country could achieve quick wins in revenue generation and job creation, while building confidence in homegrown brands.

The minister also highlighted the role of the West Africa IMT Summit as a catalyst for regional growth. He described it as more than a trade exhibition, stressing that it will serve as a platform to scale up manufacturing, boost Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), and reduce over-dependence on raw material exports. According to him, industrialisation remains the pathway to unlocking Africa’s full economic potential.

With the new policy and the upcoming summit, the federal government is aiming to lay a foundation for sustainable industrial growth. Senator Enoh reiterated that the ‘Nigeria First’ policy is not just an economic agenda but also a call for national consciousness that prioritises indigenous industries. He maintained that the expected N3 trillion earnings mark the beginning of broader reforms to strengthen trade and investment across the country.

Source: Vanguard