NASENI Applauds President Tinubu’s "Nigeria First Policy"

Abuja, Nigeria –The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has welcomed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s “Nigeria First Policy,” hailing it as a crucial step towards accelerating Nigeria’s industrial revolution and economic growth. 

In a statement released on Sunday, NASENI’s Executive Vice Chairman and CEO, Khalil Suleiman Halilu, commended the policy’s emphasis on prioritizing locally made goods and indigenous solutions in government procurement. He believes this directive will empower local entrepreneurs, manufacturers, and technology innovators by providing them with the necessary support to thrive.

“With Mr. President’s directive to the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) to revise and enforce guidelines in favor of local suppliers, we anticipate a significant increase in patronage of Nigerian-made products,” stated Mr. Halilu. “Government is a major buyer of goods and services, and this move will translate into increased demand across key sectors.”

Describing the policy as “forward-thinking and revolutionary,” Mr. Halilu highlighted NASENI’s long-standing advocacy for local content through its own initiatives. He cited products developed by the agency, including Nigerian-assembled vehicles, energy systems, smart irrigation tools, and electronic devices, as evidence of the quality and competitiveness of local manufacturing.

He also referenced NASENI’s ongoing Made-in-Nigeria Strategic Focus Group meetings held nationwide, aimed at fostering awareness and understanding of consumer attitudes towards local products. These forums bring together experts, regulators, manufacturers, entrepreneurs, and civil society actors to address challenges and promote solutions for increasing local patronage.

“We are determined to be at the forefront of implementing the President’s vision,” Mr. Halilu affirmed. “However, this is also a call to action for local producers. Policy support must be matched with unwavering commitment to quality and standards. We must deliver products that can compete favorably with imports and meet the needs of Nigerian consumers.”

NASENI, mandated to develop Nigeria’s science and engineering infrastructure, has engaged stakeholders across states like Katsina, Lagos, Anambra, Delta, Kano, Kaduna, and Ogun to boost innovation, address manufacturing challenges, and encourage the adoption of homegrown solutions.

President Tinubu’s “Nigeria First Policy” directs the BPP to implement procurement reforms that prioritize local content and maintain a register of qualified Nigerian manufacturers and service providers.

Mr. Halilu concluded by reiterating NASENI’s readiness to lead the charge: “We have witnessed the capacity and competence of our local manufacturers. They are ready. With the right support, we can achieve true industrialization powered by Nigerian solutions.”