President Bola Tinubu announced a comprehensive ban that initiates a policy that prohibits the MDA of ministries, departments and agencies from purchasing foreign goods or services that are available locally without written exemptions from the Public Procurement Bureau BPP.
The President also has restrictions on the use of foreigners that Nigerian contractors or artisans can enforce unless there are compelling reasons and are explicitly approved by the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP).
The policy was unveiled on Monday, May 5 after a meeting of the Federal Executive Committee chaired by the Presidential Villa of Abuja on Monday, May 5. Minister of Information and Ethnic Development Mohammed Idris briefed reporters on the core details of the policy.
The initiative, known as the New Hope Nigeria’s first policy, aims to strengthen the domestic economy, promote local content and reduce Nigeria’s reliance on foreign imports. Idris describes it as a transformative shift in the country’s economic approach, likening it to the “America First” doctrine of former U.S. President Donald Trump.
“Nigeria’s first policy puts our country at the center of public procurement and commercial activities, focusing on empowering local industries,” Idris said. “It aims to foster a new business culture of bold, confident and unique Nigerians.”
To provide legal support, the federal attorney general has been directed to draft executive orders.
Key directives under the new policy include:
Revised Procurement Rules: BPP will implement new guidelines to prioritize Nigerian-made goods and indigenous services in all ministries, departments and agencies (MDAS) (MDAS).
Compliance mechanism: A strong monitoring system will ensure that government procurement is consistent with local content requirements.
Supplier Database: BPP will maintain the latest list of high-quality suppliers in Nigeria as a default reference for procurement.
Centralized procurement oversight: MDA’s procurement officer will now report directly to the BPP to curb improper impact and corruption.
Mandatory waiver: No MDA can purchase locally available foreign goods or services without a written waiver of BPP.
Technology transfer: Foreign contracts that are considered inevitable must include provisions for local capacity building, production or technology transfer.
“All MDAs must review and resubmit their procurement plans in accordance with the policy. Violations will attract disciplinary action and may cancel the procurement process,” Idris warned.
Despite the normal sugar commission, several domestic producers will continue to import sugar in Nigeria, a classic example of the policy’s attempt to eliminate inefficiency.
“Government funds must now work for the people of Nigeria,” he said. “In the absence of factories in Nigeria, contractors will no longer be allowed to be intermediaries that import foreign goods only.”
Nigeria’s first policy is the latest in a series of economic reforms under the Tinubu government, including subsidized dismissal, a new Forex framework and investor confidence plans.
Officials acknowledge that the policy may face resistance and implementation challenges, but insist that the government is committed to strict law enforcement.
The minister concluded: “This marks a fundamental shift. It makes Nigeria (not a foreign company or import) the core of our country’s development.”
