Toba Owojaiye reporting
Abuja, Nigeria
In a landmark move aimed at revitalizing Nigeria’s economy, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the full implementation of the Nigeria First Policy, a strategic directive designed to significantly reduce the importation of goods and services that can be produced within the country.
The announcement, made via a broadcast by the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) on Wednesday, and duly monitored by Truth Live News, mandated all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to immediately adopt new procurement standards that prioritize Nigerian-made products and services in public contracts and transactions.
According to the Presidency, the policy aligns with the core pillars of the Renewed Hope Agenda, and follows a formal proposal by the Director-General of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), Dr. Adebowale A. Adedokun, FCIPS, CMILT, ACFE.
“The details of the implementation guidelines will be provided by the DG of BPP,” the statement confirmed, pointing to a systemic shift in how government contracts are awarded across sectors, from construction and ICT to manufacturing and consultancy.
The policy traces its roots to a May 3, 2025 executive directive by President Tinubu banning the importation of foreign goods that can be manufactured locally—a bold and aggressive push towards economic self-reliance, job creation, and national industrial growth.
Speaking in support of the initiative, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairperson and CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), described the policy as a “game-changer” for Nigeria’s industrial future.
In a statement signed by NiDCOM’s Director of Media and Public Relations, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Dabiri-Erewa called on Nigerians in the diaspora to support the reforms and take part in the national effort to reposition the economy.
“This policy prioritizes our national interest, empowers local innovators, and strengthens our economy from within,” she said. “It is time for all Nigerians—home and abroad—to back this shift and believe in the power of Nigerian solutions.”
Experts believe the Nigeria First Policy could have a transformative impact on the Nigerian economy by:
Boosting Local Industries: Increased demand for locally made products will encourage investment in manufacturing, agriculture, and service sectors, creating jobs and reducing dependence on imports.
Strengthening the Naira: Reducing foreign exchange demand for imported goods can help stabilize the Naira and reduce pressure on the country’s reserves.
Encouraging Innovation: Local entrepreneurs and SMEs will be motivated to improve product quality and scale up operations to meet domestic demand.
Enhancing National Productivity: With MDAs leading by example, a culture of “Buy Nigerian” will begin to take root across both the public and private sectors.
Deepening National Integration: By supporting products from across the country, the policy can enhance regional trade, cooperation, and unity.
In reinforcing the Nigeria First policy, the Tinubu administration signals its determination to restructure the economy in favor of domestic enterprise, inclusive growth, and home-grown development solutions.
As the implementation phase begins, all eyes will be on the Bureau of Public Procurement and relevant MDAs to ensure strict compliance, transparency, and accountability in procurement decisions.
“This is not just a policy—it’s a declaration of confidence in Nigerian talent, ingenuity, and resilience,” said one senior government official. “The time has come to build Nigeria by Nigerians, for Nigerians.”