Five things to know about Nigeria’s First Policy

Mohammed Idris, the minister of Information and National Orientation, recently announced a new policy framework tagged the ‘Renewed Hope Nigeria First Policy,’ approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC).

According to Idris, the policy seeks to foster a new business culture that is bold, confident, and very Nigerian.

BusinessDay in its usual manner takes a look at 5 highlights of the policy and in no particular order, here are things to know about Nigeria’s First Policy.

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Prioritising local content

The policy will prioritise locally made goods and homegrown solutions in all government procurements. Idris said the Federal Government will prioritise Nigeria’s interest at the center of all public procurement and business activity, with a strong emphasis on empowering local industries and reducing dependency on imports.

The policy aims at strengthening Nigeria’s domestic economy and promoting local content.

Revised procurement guidelines

The Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) will revise and enforce procurement guidelines to favor local suppliers and procurement rules prioritising Nigerian-made goods and homegrown solutions across all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).

No foreign procurement without justification

No procurement of foreign goods or services will be allowed without justification and a written waiver from the BPP. The BPP will create a comprehensive compliance mechanism to ensure all government procurements adhere to local content requirements.

“No MDA will be allowed to procure foreign goods or services already available locally without a written waiver from the BPP,” Idris said.

Read also: The Nigeria First Policy: Why Local Cloud is Now a National Imperative

Audit and revision of procurement plans

All Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAS) must conduct an immediate audit of procurement plans and submit revised versions in line with the policy. Breaches will result in disciplinary action and possible cancellation of the procurement process.

Where foreign contracts are unavoidable, the MDAs must include provisions for technology transfer, local production, or capacity development in Nigeria.

Sanctions for non-compliance

Breaches of the policy will attract sanctions, including cancellation of procurement and disciplinary action against the responsible officers.

It also gives the BPP sweeping powers to ensure full compliance with the federal government procurement policies and impose necessary sanctions for non-compliance.