Tinubu Bans Import of Locally Available Goods, Launches “Nigeria First” Economic Policy

In a sweeping move to revive Nigeria’s domestic industries, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has issued a directive banning the importation of foreign goods that can be produced locally and restricting the entry of foreign workers for jobs Nigerian professionals can perform.

The announcement was made by Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, following Monday’s Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

At the heart of this decision is the launch of a bold new economic strategy titled the "Renewed Hope Nigeria First Policy", which aims to prioritize Nigerian businesses, stimulate local production, and reduce the nation’s dependency on imports.

“This policy seeks to foster a new business culture that is bold, confident, and very Nigerian,” Idris said.

Inspired by the "America First" model introduced under former U.S. President Donald Trump, the policy places Nigerian goods, services, and talent at the center of government procurement and investment decisions.

Key Highlights of the Nigeria First Policy

According to Idris, President Tinubu has instructed the Attorney General of the Federation to draft an Executive Order to give the policy full legal backing. Once signed, the following reforms will be enforced across all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs):

• Ban on foreign goods already available in Nigeria, unless a waiver is secured from the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP)

• All foreign contractors must include technology transfer and Nigerian capacity-building clauses

• Immediate review and resubmission of MDA procurement plans to reflect local sourcing

• Disciplinary actions and contract cancellations for MDAs that violate the new directive

• Centralization of procurement officers under the BPP to curb corruption and undue influence

• Creation of an up-to-date national supplier database for verified Nigerian manufacturers and service providers

“Government money must now work for the Nigerian people. Contractors will no longer be mere intermediaries sourcing foreign goods while Nigerian factories lie idle,” the minister emphasized.

The BPP will also update procurement regulations to enforce local content standards and implement a compliance framework to track adherence across all levels of government.

A Catalyst for Industrialization and Job Creation

The Nigeria First agenda forms a core part of Tinubu’s wider economic reform package, which includes fuel subsidy removal, foreign exchange liberalization, and a renewed push to restore investor confidence.

Officials say the policy is designed to:

• Encourage industrial growth

• Drive job creation

• Increase foreign exchange savings

• Reduce unemployment and economic leakage

Despite anticipated resistance from entrenched procurement interests and implementation hurdles, the administration says it is committed to full enforcement.

“This is a major shift in government policy. It puts Nigeria – not foreign companies, not imports – at the heart of our national development,” said Minister Idris.

Once President Tinubu signs the Executive Order, the Renewed Hope Nigeria First Policy is expected to go into immediate effect.