Abuja: The Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) states that the Federal Government’s Nigeria First policy is designed to promote local businesses while still allowing foreign investors to participate in the nation’s economy.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Dr. Adebowale Adedokun, Director-General of BPP, clarified that the policy is not meant to isolate Nigeria from the global economy but rather to prioritize qualified local firms in government projects.
Dr. Adedokun emphasized that foreign businesses are not being excluded. The policy incorporates a “domestic preference,” a common practice globally, to protect and support local industries. However, he pointed out that local firms must still meet minimum requirements and global quality standards. “The option we are giving is to say, can we give Nigerians the first offer of refusal in partaking in those projects?” he stated, underscoring that the preference is not automatic.
He further explained that previous executive orders lacked legal backing, but t
he current directive by President Bola Tinubu is executed through existing legal frameworks. Dr. Adedokun highlighted that the policy spans sectors such as automobile, furniture, apparel, IT, and more, aiming to enhance the quality and competitiveness of locally manufactured products.
The BPP Director-General also cited several major infrastructure projects, including the Sokoto-Badagry Road and Abuja-Kaduna-Kano Road, as examples of successful local firm participation. He revealed that some Nigerian companies now have the capacity to lease heavy equipment to foreign firms in the country.
Dr. Adedokun stated that stricter contractor classification procedures are being enforced to ensure firms grow progressively. “You don’t wake up one day and want to build a 10-storey building. Have you built a bungalow before?” he remarked, emphasizing the need for gradual growth.
The BPP is collaborating with various agencies to foster local participation in key sectors like electric vehicles, solar energy, and oil and g
as. Additionally, the Federal Government plans to reserve projects below N50 million for SMEs within the project locality, promoting community-based procurement.