According to a recent broadcast on Symfoni TV, the federal government of Nigeria announced a major new policy called the “Renewed Hope Nigeria First” initiative, designed to put Nigerian businesses and industries at the forefront of all government procurement and economic efforts.
The policy which is expected to be formalized through a presidential executive order, aims to promote local content and boost the nation’s economic self-reliance.
As the spokesperson stated during the broadcast, “Nigeria is going to be at the center going forward of all business activities relating to this country. If there are any businesses to be done by anybody, the priority will be Nigerian first.”
This significant policy shift is intended to ensure that whenever local goods or services are available, ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) can no longer turn to foreign options without valid justification and written approval from the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP).
The federal executive council has endorsed several directives to support the new policy, Among them is the establishment of a register of top-quality Nigerian manufacturers and service providers, to be managed by the BPP.
Additionally, all procurement officers currently assigned to MDAs will be reassigned to the BPP to strengthen oversight and ensure better enforcement of local content regulations.
The government has emphasized that “No procurement of foreign goods or services already available locally shall proceed without justification and a written waiver from BPP.”
When no suitable local alternatives are available, contracts must include measures for technology transfer, local production, or skill development to help strengthen domestic capacity.
The spokesperson emphasized, “We will no longer just sit there and allow importation to come into this country where there is the capacity for production of any of these commodities locally.”
He pointed to the sugar industry as an example, highlighting the ongoing sugar imports despite the presence of the Nigerian Sugar Council, which was set up to promote local sugar production.
To guarantee compliance, MDAs have been directed to review their procurement plans and submit updated versions that align with the new directives.
Any violations of these guidelines will lead to penalties, such as the cancellation of procurement processes and disciplinary measures against the officials involved.
Highlighting broader aim of the initiative, the speaker stated, “This is meant to promote a bold, confident, and distinctly Nigerian business culture. It’s focused on encouraging the government to invest in our people and industries by reshaping how public funds are spent, how procurement is handled, and how we develop our economy.”
The forthcoming executive order, which will be drafted by the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation.
is set to provide legal backing to the resolutions, signaling what the spokesperson called “a significant shift in government policy intended to place Nigeria at the core of all business activities in the country.”
This new direction highlights the government’s commitment to advancing local industries, fostering national pride, and driving economic growth with a strong “Nigeria First” approach.
