President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a new policy tagged Renewed Hope Nigeria First, mandating all federal Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to prioritise the use of Nigerian-made goods, services, and local expertise in the execution of government contracts.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, disclosed this while briefing State House correspondents after the Federal Executive Council meeting on Monday in Abuja.
Describing the initiative as a bold shift in the nation’s economic direction, the Minister likened it to the “America First” policy introduced during former U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration.
“This policy seeks to foster a new business culture that is bold, confident, and very Nigerian. Government spending must directly benefit our people and industries,” Idris said.
To give full legal backing to the policy, the Attorney General of the Federation has been directed to draft an Executive Order to be signed by President Tinubu.
Key directives approved under the policy included:
The Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) will revise and enforce procurement guidelines to prioritise Nigerian products and solutions across all MDAs.
A compliance mechanism will be established to ensure adherence to local content requirements.
A comprehensive and regularly updated database of high-quality Nigerian suppliers will be maintained and used in procurement decisions.
Procurement officers currently posted to MDAs will be reverted to the BPP to minimise external influence and ensure transparency.
No MDA will be permitted to procure foreign goods or services readily available in Nigeria without written approval from the BPP.
Foreign contracts, where unavoidable, must include components for local production, technology transfer, or capacity building.
All MDAs have been instructed to review and realign their procurement plans in accordance with the new directive. Violations may result in disciplinary actions or cancellation of procurement processes.
Citing the persistent importation of sugar despite the presence of the Nigerian Sugar Council and capable local producers, Idris noted that the policy is aimed at revitalising industries that have been long overlooked.
“Contractors will no longer be intermediaries sourcing foreign goods while Nigerian factories lie idle. Government money must now work for the Nigerian people,” he added.
The Nigeria First policy comes as part of broader economic reforms by the Tinubu administration, which include the removal of subsidies, a new foreign exchange regime, and efforts to boost investor confidence.
The policy is expected to take effect immediately upon the signing of the Executive Order by the President.
