Lanre Issa-Onilu, director-general (DG) of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), said the ‘Nigeria First’ policy aims to reduce import dependency, empower domestic industries, and foster sustainable economic growth.
On May 5, the federal executive council (FEC) approved a ‘Nigeria First’ policy to prioritise locally made goods and services in all government procurements.
In an editorial for The Explainer, a weekly publication of the NOA, Issa-Onilu said the initiative is more than just an economic strategy.
The DG said the policy, a cornerstone of the renewed hope agenda, highlights the administration’s commitment “to reducing import dependency, empowering domestic industries, and fostering sustainable economic growth”.
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“The directive mandates federal ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) to prioritise locally produced services, building on the foundation of earlier initiatives such as Executive Order 003 (2017) and executive order 005 (2018), which promoted local content in science, engineering and technology,” he said.
Through the “Proudly Nigerian” campaign, led by the ministry of information and national orientation, Issa-Onilu said the government is leveraging media partnerships and international trade fairs “to showcase homegrown brands like Dangote Cement, Zinox Technologies and Aisha Rice”.
“These efforts are already yielding results, with Nigerian exports to ASEAN and European (EU) markets rising by 22 per cent in the first quarter of 2024,” the DG said.
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“The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has also intensified quality assurance systems to elevate the global competitiveness of locally made goods.
“President Tinubu has consistently emphasised that Nigeria’s greatest resource is the ingenuity of its people. By prioritising local content, the administration seeks to unlock this potential, fostering a culture of innovation and self-reliance.”
Issa-Onilu said the success of the policy depends on collective action, adding that government, private sector and citizens alike “must embrace #MadeInNigeria as a symbol of national pride and progress”.
He added that the initiative has continued to gain traction among Nigerians, especially those in the manufacturing sector, who have applauded the move.
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“Indeed, the initiative is more than an economic strategy; it is a unifying vision for a prosperous, self-sufficient Nigeria,” he said.
Through sustained political will, strategic investments, and inclusive governance, Issa-Onilu said the federal government is paving the way for a future where every Nigerian benefits from the fruits of homegrown productivity and innovation.
