The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced plans to launch a national campaign that will encourage citizens and businesses to buy locally made goods and services under a new policy called “Nigeria First.” The goal is to revive Nigeria’s manufacturing industry, reduce dependence on imported products, and create new job opportunities.
The initiative was revealed by President Bola Tinubu during the fifth Adeola Odutola Lecture organized by the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN). Represented at the event by John Enoh, the Minister of State for Industry, Trade, and Investment, Tinubu said the campaign would help boost the country’s manufacturing sector by up to 6 percent and create more than 500,000 jobs in the next three years.
According to the president, the ‘Nigeria First’ policy will encourage Nigerians to produce, buy, and export locally made goods that meet international standards. “No country achieves prosperity or dignity without producing what it can and exporting at scale what it does best,” Tinubu said. “Economic resilience begins in the factory and thrives in the marketplace, and we are committed to reducing production costs to help manufacturers compete globally.”
The president explained that his administration will focus on six key areas to make the policy work:
- Reforming federal procurement so government agencies prioritize local products.
- Improving quality and standards to meet global benchmarks.
- Expanding exports to open new markets for Nigerian products.
- Increasing access to finance for manufacturers.
- Improving energy and logistics to reduce production costs.
- Developing skills and securing inputs needed for manufacturing.
Tinubu urged manufacturers to maintain high production standards and transparency, and to cooperate with government agencies by sharing accurate data about production capacity and pricing. This, he said, would help the government make better policies for industrial growth.
Speaking at the event, Aliko Dangote, Africa’s richest man and President of the Dangote Group, praised the policy but stressed that it must be sustained beyond political changes. Represented by Mansur Ahmed, former president of MAN, Dangote said: “The ‘Nigeria First’ policy represents a bold opportunity to industrialize sustainably. Its success depends on clear laws, strong institutions, and consistent implementation.”
He added that for Nigeria to grow, the policy must move from just being a government statement to an actionable plan that produces real results, such as local value creation and job opportunities. “Every country is in a race to improve the lives of its citizens,” Dangote said. “If embraced, this policy will put Nigeria in a more competitive position.”
Also speaking, Francis Meshioye, the President of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), praised the government’s initiative and urged for effective implementation. He said the ‘Nigeria First’ policy could help strengthen local industries, improve the economy, and ensure national survival if backed by strong legislation.
The new campaign is part of the Tinubu administration’s effort to strengthen Nigeria’s economy, support local businesses, and promote national pride in homegrown products.
