By OBSERVERS TIMES
The Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) has issued a directive requiring all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), as well as procurement stakeholders, to fully adhere to the newly established “Nigeria First” public procurement policy. This initiative is a cornerstone of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at revitalizing local industries and enhancing indigenous capabilities, OBSERVERS TIMES can authoritatively report.
Endorsed by the Federal Executive Council on May 5, the “Nigeria First” policy prioritizes Nigerian manufacturers, service providers, and contractors in all federal procurement processes. It also stipulates that any sourcing of foreign goods or services must be rigorously justified and accompanied by waivers from the BPP.
In a statement released on Monday and signed by BPP Director General Dr. Adedokun Adebowale and obtained by OBSERVERS TIMES, the agency underscored that these new directives are legally binding and will be enforced through additional mechanisms, including an Executive Order from the Attorney-General of the Federation and a circular from the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.
“This is a decisive moment for our country,” Adebowale remarked. “The ‘Nigeria First’ policy is not just a procurement strategy — it is a patriotic call to action to build our economy from within. All MDAs must now walk the talk by patronizing local talents, goods, and services. Violations will attract sanctions, including procurement cancellation and disciplinary action against erring officers.”
The BPP also announced plans to implement a comprehensive Local Content Compliance Framework designed to guide MDAs and contractors in meeting the policy’s objectives. Revised Standard Bidding Documents and capacity-building sessions spanning the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria have already begun, according to the agency.
To ensure transparency and collective ownership of the policy, the BPP will issue detailed guidelines and invite contributions from stakeholders to enrich the process. A national awareness campaign is also set to launch, aimed at mobilizing both public and institutional support for the initiative.
“We are building a procurement culture that uplifts Nigerian ingenuity,” Adebowale stated. “By putting Nigeria first, we are planting the seeds of long-term growth, job creation, and industrial innovation.”
Observers have praised the “Nigeria First” policy as a necessary step towards fostering a self-sufficient economy. Economic analyst Dr. Chika Ibe noted, “This policy could significantly reduce the reliance on foreign goods and services, which has been a drain on our economy. It’s crucial for the government to follow through with effective enforcement to ensure compliance.”
Similarly, local business leaders have expressed optimism about the potential benefits of the initiative. “This is an opportunity for local businesses to thrive and for the government to demonstrate its commitment to supporting indigenous industries,” said Mrs. Funke Adeyemi, a prominent entrepreneur in the manufacturing sector.
The BPP expressed confidence that the “Nigeria First” approach will stimulate economic activity, curb capital flight, and unlock new opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises, ultimately contributing to the nation’s overall economic growth.
