“Nigeria First”: Abuja Bans Imported Goods for Government Agencies

Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu has directed all federal ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) to stop importing goods and services that can be produced locally. Dubbed the “Nigeria First Policy,” the initiative aims to boost domestic industries, reduce import dependence, and reform procurement practices. MDAs must now prioritize Nigerian-made products unless granted a waiver by the Bureau of Public Procurement. The policy includes procurement audits, penalties for non-compliance, and stricter local content enforcement. Tinubu emphasized the need to support local factories over intermediaries reliant on imports, adding that where foreign procurement is unavoidable, it will now include clauses for technology transfer and capacity building. The move is part of broader reforms to drive self-reliance, economic growth, and national pride through local enterprise and stronger public sector leadership.

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