President Bola Tinubu has approved the implementation of the Renewed Hope Nigeria First policy, which mandates that all federal ministries, departments, and agencies prioritize Nigerian goods, services, and expertise when utilizing public funds.
The announcement was made by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, following Monday’s Federal Executive Council meeting at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja.
Idris explained that the policy aims to ensure that every kobo spent by the government benefits Nigeria, placing the country at the heart of all public expenditure.
To ensure the policy’s legal standing, an Executive Order will be issued in the coming days, he added.
The policy closely mirrors the “America First” doctrine implemented by former U.S. President Donald Trump.
Idris emphasized that the new policy focuses on strengthening local industries, reducing reliance on imports, and making Nigeria the priority in all public procurement and business activities. He stressed that, where local alternatives are available, there should be no reason to import.
“The policy ensures that any government business must put Nigerians first,” he said, noting that the Attorney-General has been instructed to draft the Executive Order, which will lead to significant changes in how the government spends, procures, and builds the economy.
In line with the policy, the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) will revise and enforce guidelines favoring local manufacturers and service providers.
A Local Content Compliance Framework will be established, and the BPP will maintain a registry of high-quality Nigerian suppliers regularly engaged by the government.
Additionally, all ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) are now prohibited from procuring foreign goods or services already available locally, unless the BPP grants a waiver.
Where no local option exists, contracts will include clauses for technology transfer, local production, or skills development, similar to policies in the Sugar Master Plan that encourage firms to invest in domestic production.
MDAs have been given an immediate deadline to audit and submit a revised procurement plan for 2025 that adheres to the new standards.
“No procurement of foreign goods or services already available in Nigeria shall proceed without justification and a BPP waiver,” the directive stated.
The Attorney-General, Lateef Fagbemi, has been assigned the task of drafting an Executive Order that will formalize the policy into law.