Tinubu orders ban on foreign imports, pushes Nigeria First policy to boost local economy
On Monday, May 5, President Bola Tinubu announced a major policy shift, ordering a ban on the importation of foreign goods that can be produced within Nigeria.
The new directive, which is part of the Renewed Hope Nigeria First Policy, also places strict limits on the use of expatriates for jobs that can be handled by local contractors and artisans, unless there is a clear justification and approval from the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP).
The announcement was made by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, following a Federal Executive Council meeting chaired by President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa.
Idris described the policy as a bold and transformative move to strengthen Nigeria’s domestic economy. He likened it to former U.S. President Donald Trump’s “America First” doctrine, emphasizing that Nigeria’s economic approach must focus on empowering local industries and reducing dependence on foreign goods and services.
“This policy seeks to foster a new business culture that is bold, confident, and very Nigerian,” Idris said, stressing that the aim is to ensure government investment benefits Nigerian people and industries.
As part of the policy, the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) has been tasked with revising procurement rules to prioritize Nigerian-made goods and services in all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs). The BPP will also maintain a regularly updated database of high-quality Nigerian suppliers to guide procurement decisions and ensure compliance with local content requirements.
Additionally, any MDA that wishes to procure foreign goods or services already available locally will require a written waiver from the BPP. In cases where foreign contracts are unavoidable, the policy mandates provisions for technology transfer, local production, or capacity development within Nigeria.
The policy is also set to be enforced immediately, with a clear mandate that all MDAs must review and resubmit their procurement plans in alignment with the new directives. Failure to comply will result in disciplinary actions and potential cancellation of procurement processes.
A key example cited by the Information Minister was Nigeria’s sugar industry, which continues to rely on imports despite the presence of local producers. The Nigeria First policy is set to address such issues, ensuring that local industries are given priority.
“Contractors will no longer be mere intermediaries sourcing foreign goods while Nigerian factories lie idle. Government money must now work for the Nigerian people,” Idris emphasized.
This new policy is part of the broader economic reforms being pursued by President Tinubu’s administration, which also includes subsidy removals, a new foreign exchange regime, and efforts to restore investor confidence in Nigeria’s economy.
While the policy may face challenges during implementation, officials remain determined to enforce compliance, viewing it as a significant shift that places Nigeria’s interests at the forefront of national development.
The policy will take full effect once the Executive Order is signed by President Tinubu.
