Stepping-Up Implementation of Nigeria First Policy

An import dependent country like Nigeria cannot achieve the goal of rapid industrialization and high rate of employment, if it continues to import foreign goods can be locally manufactured within its borders. As a developing economy, the multiplier effects of patronizing locally produced goods through targeted policy interventions, cannot be over-emphasized. Such a targeted policy measure is highly beneficial to the economy as generates massive employment, leads to improved income earnings and living standard of Nigerians, and many other benefits along the value chain. Given this background, the adoption of the Nigeria First Policy by the Federal Executive Council on March 5, 2025 continues to attract very high commendations from relevant stakeholders and policy experts.

However, it took about a year and two months after, (precisely on May 22, 2026) for the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), and the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) – the two catalytic agencies – to sign ‘off on the full implementation of the Nigeria First Policy in the automotive sector by all procuring entities.’ This signing off was made public by the Head of Press and Public Relations (BPP) Zira Zakka Nagga in a piece titled ‘BPP, NADDC sign Nigeria First Policy’ and reported by Samuel Anyanwu of the Federal Ministry of Information & National Orientation, on May 23, 2026 via https://www.fmino.gov.ng. According to this report, ‘the signing of the policy now makes it an offence for government agencies to procure vehicles from any source other than local manufacturers, including vehicles assembly plants operating in Nigeria.’ This is in line with the policy’s prohibition of all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) from importing foreign goods and services that are manufactured in Nigeria. Any exception to this, has to be justified and must receive presidential approval regarding such justification.

In my humble opinion, since the adoption of this policy, commencement of its implementation has been at the snail speed, perhaps due to absence of legal framework detailing its implementation process and activities. Many watchers of this policy are therefore not impressed that for over a period one year and six months, a recent statement by the Director-General of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) Dr. Adebowale Adedokun revealed that the ‘bureau was developing an institutional framework, standard policies and an appropriate circular to guide the implementation of the Nigeria-first policy across relevant government organisations…’ (See Tribune Online, October 13, 2026). It should not have taken such a long time for an important policy as this to have been enabled off the ground. Time is of essence to get such a policy to be swiftly implemented because of its very high multiplier effects in Nigeria’s economic development.

In spite of this displeasure over an unnecessary bureaucratic delay, one is excited to see that a process of stepping up implementation of the policy has effectively taken off. For example, in a joint press conference by the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), and the Bureau of Public Procurement (PBB), held on October 9, 2026 in Abuja, both agencies took a very bold step to implement this very important policy in the automotive sector. Two headlines from two different media houses convey this message succinctly. From Channels Television: Nigeria First Policy: FG Mandates MDAs to procure all vehicles from local Assemblers; and from Tribune Online: NADDC, BPP move to implement Nigeria-first policy in automotive sector.

Source: Tribune Online, October 13, 2026, via https://tribuneonlineng.com/naddc-bpp-move-to-implement-nigeria-first-policy-in-automotive-sector/.

Public statements by the Director-General of NADDC as well as the Director-General of BPP, demonstrate that the process of stepping up implementation of the policy has begun. The DG of NADDC Otunba Oluwemimo Joseph Osanipin, said the council ‘was committed to supporting local vehicle assemblers to transition from Semi Knocked Down (SKD) assembly to Complete Knocked Down (CKD) production.’ He emphasised that ‘sustained government patronage of locally manufactured vehicles and components would strengthen the domestic automotive value chain and provide the market confidence required for manufacturers to invest in higher levels of production.’

On his part, the DG of BPP Dr. Adebowale Adedokun rightly said that the ‘successful implementation of the policy would promote industrialisation, create jobs for skilled workers and technicians, strengthen local supply chains and provide increased opportunities for young Nigerians.’ Consequently, ‘both agencies reaffirmed their commitment to sustained collaboration with local manufacturers and other stakeholders to ensure that the Nigeria-first policy delivers tangible benefits to the automotive industry and the Nigerian economy.’ This is heartwarming to note that implementation progress is to be tracked monthly, quarterly, and annually. Nigerians excited by the adoption of this policy do not expect anything less.

With these publicly declared statements, all eyes are now on these two catalytic agencies to walk the talk by making sure that implementation hurdles are cleared off the way. Anything short of this, would raise doubts as to their commitment level towards implementing the policy. In particular, the BPP should quicken the development of ‘institutional framework, standard policies and an appropriate circular to guide the implementation,’ of the policy ‘across relevant government organisations,’ if it has not already done so. This election season should not be an alibi for inaction. On the contrary, it should rather be an advantage for those who want to take credit for the success of this very patriotic policy.

Lastly, as we prepare to enter another budget year, Nigerians would want to see that procurement of government vehicles are strictly in line with Nigeria First Policy. It is worth re-stating that Nigeria’s problem is not the lack of good or excellent policies, but rather poor implementation of them. And this is not because of lack of capacity or funding, but unfortunately because of selfish interest at the expense of national interest. We hope that the implementation of Nigeria First Policy would be a pleasant exception to the subversion of national interest.

Prof. Obasi, a public policy expert and analyst is formerly of the Department of Public Administration, University of Abuja. Email: nnamdizik@gmail.com; Cell: 07065692668