The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recently announced **“Nigeria First Policy”**, describing it as a transformative move to catalyze industrialization, boost local manufacturing, and drive sustainable economic growth.
In a press statement issued on Sunday, May 11, 2025, the agency’s Executive Vice Chairman and CEO, Khalil Suleiman Halilu, hailed the President’s directive to the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) to revise procurement guidelines in favor of local suppliers and manufacturers.
“With Mr. President’s directive to the BPP to enforce guidelines that prioritize Nigerian-made goods, we anticipate a significant increase in demand for locally manufactured products,” Halilu said. “Government is one of the largest buyers of goods and services. This policy, therefore, positions local innovators and businesses for meaningful growth.”
Halilu described the policy as “forward-thinking and revolutionary,” and emphasized that NASENI has consistently championed local content development through its various innovation-driven initiatives. These include the production of Nigerian-assembled vehicles, energy solutions, smart irrigation tools, and electronic devices—all developed to meet global standards.
The NASENI boss also highlighted the ongoing Made-in-Nigeria Strategic Focus Group sessions the agency has been organizing across states like Lagos, Kano, Kaduna, Anambra, Ogun, Katsina, and Delta. These meetings, he explained, bring together manufacturers, entrepreneurs, regulators, and civil society groups to assess consumer behavior, improve local product quality, and address manufacturing challenges.
“This is a call to action for Nigerian producers. Policy support alone is not enough—we must meet global standards, ensure quality, and maintain consumer trust. That is how we compete with imports and build a resilient economy,” he stated.
NASENI reaffirmed its readiness to take a leadership role in implementing the Nigeria First agenda by continuing its engagement with stakeholders and strengthening the national manufacturing base.
President Tinubu’s policy mandates the BPP to maintain a register of qualified Nigerian manufacturers and service providers and ensure local content is given priority in all federal procurement processes.
Mr. Halilu concluded by stating, “We have seen the competence of our local manufacturers. They are capable, prepared, and committed. With the right support, Nigeria can achieve true industrialization driven by homegrown solutions.”
The statement was signed by Olusegun Ayeoyenikan, NASENI’s Director of Information.