Newsie EEvents :
In a major policy shake-up aimed at reviving Nigeria’s economy from the inside out, President Bola Tinubu has rolled out a sweeping directive that places local content at the heart of government spending.
Foreign imports — especially goods and services that can be produced within Nigeria — are now officially off the table unless there’s a compelling reason approved by the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP).
Announced by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, shortly after Monday’s Federal Executive Council meeting, the new framework is being called the Renewed Hope Nigeria First Policy — a clear signal of the administration’s intention to prioritize Nigerian industries, skills, and innovation over foreign alternatives.
“This isn’t just economic policy,” Idris explained. “It’s a cultural shift — one that demands boldness, pride, and a renewed faith in Nigerian capabilities.”
Inspired by the “America First” ethos once championed by Donald Trump, Nigeria’s version takes an even more targeted approach. Under the policy:
No ministry, department, or agency (MDA) can procure foreign products or services if local equivalents exist — unless they secure a written waiver from the BPP.
Procurement officers will now be placed directly under BPP supervision to curb external influence and corruption.
A centralized, updated list of qualified Nigerian suppliers will guide all procurement decisions.
Even when foreign contracts are absolutely necessary, they must include plans for technology transfer, local production, or skills development within Nigeria.
To enforce these sweeping reforms, the Attorney General has been instructed to prepare an Executive Order — a move that will give the policy legal teeth and pave the way for full implementation.
“This policy doesn’t just encourage local investment — it demands it,” said Idris. “Government contracts will no longer serve as channels for importing goods that Nigerians are fully capable of producing. Our money must work for our people.”
He cited the sugar industry as a clear example of local neglect. “Despite local producers and the Nigerian Sugar Council, we still spend heavily on imports. That ends now.”
The Renewed Hope Nigeria First Policy arrives in tandem with other major economic reforms by the Tinubu administration — including the removal of fuel subsidies, a new FX regime, and broad efforts to restore investor confidence.
While the road to full implementation may face resistance from vested interests and entrenched procurement networks, the message from the top is clear: Nigeria comes first.
“We’re not just spending differently — we’re thinking differently,” said the Minister. “This is a turning point in how we build a more self-reliant, confident, and prosperous Nigeria.”
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