Director-General of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Segun Ajayi-Kadir, has commended the ‘Nigeria First’ policy directive unveiled on Monday by the Federal Government.

   Relatedly, the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) said without proper implementation across all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), the Federal Government’s recent procurement policy of buying made-in-Nigeria goods could suffer the fate of many like it.

   Also, former Senate leader, Ali Ndume, commended the ban placed on importation of foreign goods.

   Describing the new directive as long overdue, Ajayi-Kadir said the Federal Government, being the biggest spender, must lead by example. This, he said, will certainly send the right signals and raise consumer confidence in locally-made products.  

   The policy, according to the government, will prioritise patronage of Made-in-Nigeria goods and services and develop local content, which borders on appropriate technical knowledge transfer to Nigerian professionals.

   Stressing the need for all tiers of government, private sector entities and individuals to support the initiative by patronising Made-in-Nigeria goods and services, he specifically called out uniformed government agencies and institutions, legislature and the Presidency. 

   “All government contracts must prioritise the patronage of Made-in-Nigeria materials. So, government needs to consult with manufacturers on the way forward to achieve effective and efficient implementation,” he added.

   In a statement, yesterday, the Director-General and Chief Executive of NECA, Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, who commended the government on the move, however, urged a thorough implementation, noting that the policy is aimed at boosting local production and stimulating the economy.

   According to him, it will not only promote local production, but will fundamentally reduce the pressure on foreign exchange (forex) demands.

   “This is a great move, a strategic economic imperative that we have been clamouring for. Over the past few years, we have urged the government to prioritise the patronage of Made-in-Nigeria goods, as this will not only promote local production but will fundamentally reduce the pressure on forex demands, stimulate local industrial growth, and facilitate job creation and preservation among many others,” he said.

  The Federal Executive Council (FEC), on Monday, approved a “Nigeria First” policy aimed at prioritising the use of locally-made goods and services in all government procurements.

   The Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, who made the announcement yesterday, said the policy seeks to domesticate all government processes. 

   He added that the Federal Government also placed a caveat on expatriates coming into Nigeria to execute jobs local contractors and artisans could undertake, unless there was a convincing justification for it, including express permission from the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP).

   Idris, who described the decision as a landmark, said it was aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s domestic economy and promoting local content.

NDUME, yesterday, said the bold initiative by President Bola Tinubu would promote indigenous entrepreneurs, boost the local economy and generate employment for Nigerians.

   He said: “It is heartwarming to hear that President Tinubu has taken this bold decision to ban imported goods that can be produced locally. This will be a major boost for indigenous businesses amid the slipping Nigerian economy.”

   Other stakeholders backed the move, noting that it would boost Dangote Refinery, Innoson Vehicles Manufacturing and other indigenous businesses amid the dipping national economy.

   Chief Executive Officer of the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE), Muda Yusuf; CEO of SD&D Capital Management, Gbolade Idakolo and Board of Trustees Chairman of the Coalition of South-South Chambers of Commerce, as well as National President of Petroleum Products Retail Owners Association of Nigeria, Billy Gillis-Harry, made their submission in separate chats yesterday.

   The CPPE CEO urged that the implementation of the ban on foreign goods or services be done across the federation.

    Yusuf observed that the policy would have a multiplier effect on the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and conserve foreign exchange.

   Idakolo said the policy, if implemented, would make the nation’s economy flourish.

   Also, Gillis-Harry backed the decision, noting that every Nigerian must ensure that the policy is implemented from top to bottom.