According to a report published by Arise News on May 7, 2025, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has thrown a bold challenge to President Bola Tinubu over the federal government’s newly introduced ‘Nigeria First’ policy.
The policy prioritizes the use of made-in-Nigeria goods and services, especially in public procurement. While stakeholders like the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), and Senator Ali Ndume have hailed the initiative, Atiku believes it is time for the president to lead by example.
In a strongly worded statement delivered through his spokesman, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku accused the Tinubu administration of using the policy as a mere public relations gimmick. He said, “The Tinubu administration’s latest Nigeria First mantra, paraded through FEC, is nothing but another tired PR stunt, designed to deceive, not deliver.”
Atiku challenged Tinubu to immediately switch his official vehicle, the luxury Escalade, for a Nigerian-made brand such as Innoson or Nord. “We challenge President Tinubu to stop the noise and trade in his beloved Escalade for an Innoson, Nord or any made-in-Nigeria car. That single act will do more to promote local industry than a thousand policy memos,” Shaibu said.
He also called out ministers who ride in exotic cars like Rolls Royce, urging them to embrace local alternatives if the policy is to be taken seriously. “Let’s see the ministers, those shameless Rolls Royce connoisseurs, sweat it out in Nigerian-made vehicles too. Or is Nigeria First only for the masses?” he asked.
Atiku didn’t stop there. He also demanded that Tinubu stop traveling abroad for medical care, vacations, or luxury shopping, insisting he should patronize Nigerian hospitals and tourist sites. “We demand that President Tinubu, champion of Nigeria First, conduct all future medical check-ups at LUTH, National Hospital Abuja, UCH Ibadan, or even the #41 billion Naira Akwa Ibom world-class hospital,” he said.
Atiku concluded by urging Tinubu to match his words with action. “True leadership isn’t photo-ops or soundbites, it’s setting the tone by example. Nigeria deserves real commitment, not this never-ending charade,” he said.
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