Tinubu Approves “Nigeria First” Procurement Policy, Prioritizing Local Goods and Services

Federal Government Mandates MDAs to Favor Nigerian Products, Aims to Boost Local Industry
Abuja, Nigeria – President Bola Tinubu has given the green light to the “Renewed Hope Nigeria First” policy, a landmark directive that mandates all federal ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) to prioritize Nigerian goods, services, and expertise when utilizing public funds. This policy aims to significantly boost local industries and reduce the nation’s reliance on imports.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, disclosed this development to State House correspondents following Monday’s Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting in Abuja. He emphasized that this new directive “puts Nigeria at the centre of every kobo the government spends.”
Idris further announced that an Executive Order will be issued within days to provide the policy with full legal backing. This move underscores the government’s commitment to embedding this prioritization of local content into its operational framework.
The policy places Nigeria at the forefront of all public procurement and business activities, with a strong emphasis on empowering domestic industries and fostering economic self-reliance.
“Going forward, any business to be done by the government must place Nigerians first,” Minister Idris asserted. “If a local option exists, there is no reason whatsoever to import.”
The FEC has endorsed the President’s proposals, and the Attorney-General of the Federation has been directed to draft the Executive Order that will “make government invest in our people and our industries by changing how we spend, procure and build the economy,” Idris explained.
Under the newly approved guidelines, the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) has been instructed to revise and rigorously enforce regulations that favor Nigerian manufacturers and service providers. This includes the creation of a Local Content Compliance Framework and the maintenance of a register of high-quality Nigerian suppliers regularly engaged by the government. The BPP will also regain full authority over the deployment of procurement officers to all MDAs.
Crucially, all MDAs are now barred from purchasing any foreign good or service that is already available within Nigeria, unless a written waiver is obtained from the BPP providing a clear justification for the import.
In instances where no viable Nigerian alternative exists, government contracts must include specific clauses for technology transfer, local production, or skills development. This approach mirrors successful strategies like the quota rules in the Sugar Master Plan, which incentivize firms to invest in backward integration.
Furthermore, MDAs have been given an immediate deadline to audit their 2025 procurement plans and submit revised versions that fully comply with the new “Nigeria First” standard.
“No procurement of foreign goods or services already available in Nigeria shall proceed without justification and a BPP waiver,” the directive explicitly states. “Where no local option exists, contracts must include provisions for technology transfer, local production or skills development.”
Minister Idris reiterated that the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, has been tasked with drafting the Executive Order to solidify the FEC resolutions into law, signaling a firm commitment to the implementation and enforcement of the “Nigeria First” procurement policy.