“No procurement of foreign goods or services already available locally shall proceed without justification,” said Minister Mohammed Idris.
The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved a “Nigeria First Policy” mandating the use of locally made goods and services in all government procurements. Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, announced the decision Monday, describing it as a strategic move to boost domestic industries.
“No procurement of foreign goods or services already available locally shall proceed without justification,” Idris stated, adding that exceptions will require a waiver from the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP).
The policy mandates MDAs to revise procurement plans, with breaches attracting sanctions and disciplinary action. Contracts involving unavailable local options must include provisions for “technology transfer, local production or skills development.”
The BPP is now tasked with revising procurement guidelines, maintaining a register of certified local manufacturers, and developing a local content compliance framework. All procurement officers will be reverted to BPP to streamline efficiency.
“It puts Nigeria – not foreign companies, not imports – at the heart of our national development,” Idris said.