‘Nigeria First’ policy will boost local goods patronage – NASENI
CHIGOZIE AMADI
The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure has thrown its full support behind President Bola Tinubu’s “Nigeria First Policy,” a transformative initiative aimed at boosting the demand for locally made products and accelerating Nigeria’s industrial growth.
In a statement released on Sunday, NASENI’s Executive Vice Chairman and CEO, Khalil Halilu, described the policy as a game-changer for Nigeria’s economy.
The policy, which prioritises indigenous goods and services in government procurement, is expected to empower local manufacturers, entrepreneurs, and innovators by creating a robust market for their products.
“With Mr President’s directive to the Bureau of Public Procurement to revise and enforce guidelines in favour of local suppliers, we anticipate a significant increase in patronage of Nigerian-made products,” Mr Halilu said. “Government is a major buyer of goods and services, and this move will translate into increased demand across key sectors.”
Halilu emphasised that NASENI has been a long-time advocate for local content, showcasing the quality of Nigerian innovation through products like locally assembled vehicles, energy systems, smart irrigation tools, and electronic devices.
He pointed to NASENI’s ongoing Made-in-Nigeria strategic focus group meetings, held in states such as Katsina, Lagos, Anambra, Delta, Kano, Kaduna, and Ogun, as evidence of the agency’s commitment to promoting homegrown solutions.
These forums unite stakeholders, including manufacturers, regulators, and civil society, to address challenges and foster greater adoption of Nigerian products.
The “Nigeria First Policy” includes procurement reforms that mandate the Bureau of Public Procurement to maintain a register of qualified Nigerian manufacturers and service providers, ensuring that local businesses are prioritised in government contracts.
Halilu called the policy “revolutionary” but urged local producers to maintain high standards to capitalise on the opportunity.
“This is a call to action for Nigerian manufacturers,” Halilu stated. “Policy support is crucial, but we must deliver products that meet consumer needs and compete with imports. Quality and excellence are non-negotiable.”
NASENI, mandated to develop Nigeria’s science and engineering infrastructure, has been engaging stakeholders across states including Katsina, Lagos, Anambra, Delta, Kano, Kaduna, and Ogun to boost innovation, address manufacturing challenges, and encourage the adoption of homegrown solutions.
President Tinubu’s “Nigeria First Policy” directs the BPP to implement procurement reforms that prioritise local content and maintain a register of qualified Nigerian manufacturers and service providers.
