The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has declared its full support for President Bola Tinubu’s “Nigeria First Policy,” describing it as a transformative step toward revitalising the country’s manufacturing and innovation landscape.
In a statement issued on Sunday, NASENI’s Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Khalil Halilu, described the policy as “revolutionary,” noting that it would create a solid platform for Nigerian products to thrive, especially through government procurement reforms that give priority to indigenous manufacturers and service providers.
President Tinubu recently directed the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) to revise its procurement guidelines to favour local suppliers — a move Halilu said would immediately boost the demand for Nigerian-made goods.
“Government is a major buyer of goods and services. With Mr President’s directive to the BPP, we anticipate a significant increase in patronage of Nigerian-made products,” Halilu stated. “This policy is not just about economics; it’s about national pride, job creation, and self-reliance.”
The Nigeria First Policy mandates that the BPP maintain a comprehensive register of Nigerian manufacturers and service providers, ensuring their inclusion in government contracting processes. The intention is to build a robust market that empowers local entrepreneurs, innovators, and manufacturers by offering them a guaranteed customer base: the Nigerian government.
Halilu explained that NASENI has consistently promoted local innovation and production, and the policy aligns with its long-standing efforts. He cited examples of locally assembled vehicles, smart irrigation tools, renewable energy systems, and electronic devices developed by the agency as proof that Nigerian innovation is ready for broader adoption.
The agency’s ongoing Made-in-Nigeria strategic focus group meetings — hosted in states like Katsina, Lagos, Anambra, Delta, Kano, Kaduna, and Ogun — bring together stakeholders such as manufacturers, regulators, civil society organisations, and end users to discuss challenges and opportunities around domestic production. These forums are aimed at encouraging collaboration and identifying gaps in the current industrial ecosystem.
“This is a call to action for Nigerian manufacturers,” Halilu said. “The government has provided the policy support. Now, we must deliver quality products that meet consumer expectations and can compete with imports. Quality and excellence are non-negotiable.”
The NASENI boss also noted that the agency will continue to engage stakeholders and strengthen its capacity-building initiatives to support startups, small manufacturers, and larger firms in improving product design, engineering standards, and manufacturing processes.
