The policy, announced on May 5, aims to protect and promote Nigerian businesses by prioritizing domestically manufactured products in government contracts. Sani, a former Kaduna Central senator, emphasized the importance of this move, stating, “We shouldn’t import what we can produce,” highlighting its potential to bolster local industries and reduce import dependency.
Here is what he wrote on his official X handle
The “Nigeria First Policy,” as outlined by the Federal Executive Council, mandates that Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) justify any procurement of foreign goods with a written waiver from the Bureau of Public Procurement.
Minister Mohammed Idris reinforced the policy’s strict enforcement, noting that non-compliance could lead to contract cancellations. Additionally, contracts lacking viable local options must include technology transfer or local production clauses to foster domestic capacity.
This policy comes amid global trends of economic nationalism, such as U.S. President Trump’s 2025 tariffs on imports from Canada, Mexico, and China.
