ONE very laudable policy recently announced by the Tinubu administration is the Nigeria First policy initiative. Though not entirely new, and not original to the Tinubu administration, it is something which, if conscientiously implemented, has the capacity to turn around the Nigerian economy for good within a relatively short period of time. Readers might recall that in February 2018, President Muhammadu Buhari signed executive order no 5, titled “Presidential Executive Order 5 for Planning and Execution of projects, promotion of Nigerian content in contracts and science, engineering and technology.” 

That Executive Order, in intent, was expected to promote the application of science, technology and innovation towards achieving the nation’s development goals across all sectors of the economy.

The President, pursuant to the authority vested in him by the Constitution, ordered that all “procuring authorities shall give preference to Nigerian companies and firms in the award of contracts, in line with the Public Procurement Act 2007.”

The Executive Order also prohibits the Ministry of Interior from giving visas to foreign workers whose skills are readily available in Nigeria.

It, however, notes that where expertise is lacking, procuring entities will give preference to foreign companies and firms with a demonstrable and verifiable plan for indigenous development, prior to the award of such contracts.

Sadly, that was where that initiative ended, as Buhari neither enforced, nor followed up in any discernible way to give effect to his executive order. Perhaps that is why President Tinubu, after nearly two years in office decided to dust it up and re-present it. Here is hoping that follow ups and enforcement will make the difference between Executive Order No. 5, and the Nigeria First policy. Among others, key highlights of the Nigeria First policy include (a) Ban on Foreign Goods: Federal Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, MDAs, are now required to prioritise Nigerian-made goods and services when spending public funds; (b) Procurement: The Bureau of Public Procurement, BPP, will revise and enforce procurement rules that favour local content; and (c) Technology Transfer & Capacity Development: Where foreign contracts are unavoidable, they must include provisions for technology transfer and local production. There are more, but space limitations does not permit listing all here.

I observe again that it is one very good step in the right direction, while reiterating that if conscientiously followed, implemented, and enforced, Nigeria would have woken up, even if on the eighth day of the week. One thing, though. I am of the strong conviction that initiatives like this should have the buy-in of the entire ruling class, irrespective of political party. All political leaders — local government chairmen, state governors, and others at the federal level must embrace the Nigeria First policy for our overall good. That also includes the federal legislature which has the habit of procuring vehicles en-masse for members, and these vehicles are usually foreign brands that do not come cheap. It makes little sense to have compliance only at the federal level while state governors continue to burn scarce foreign exchange on public procurement. This is because the order specifically mandates the Ministry of Interior, and the Bureau of Public Procurement. These are organisations that are not replicated at the state level, even if some states have the Due Process Office.

To give effect to this policy, it is an imperative that all public officials be seen using locally-made goods, starting with automobiles. I particularly endorse the bill proposed by Senator Patrick  Ndubueze,  (APC, Imo North), which is a bill that will make it mandatory for Ministries, Departments and Agencies to give priority to local manufacturers and indigenous companies in the procurement of goods and services. The bill, if passed into law, and enforced, will have the effect of giving life to many sectors of our economy, from automobiles to computers.

But, our leaders must lead the way, and not just by spewing out rhetoric. To start with, all official cars should be brands made or assembled in Nigeria. I support Alhaji Atiku Abubakar’s call on President Tinubu to drop his armoured Cadillac Escalade official car for a Made-in-Nigeria brand. If they can make it here, it can also be armoured here. In the offices, foreign brand ICT products like desktop computers can also be replaced with local brands. I am aware that in the ICT sector, there are many OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers).

Many of them are making computers, television sets, tablets and others. It will be a nice thing to enter an office and see computers by local OEMs in use. I am sure also that investment in ICT products will soar and this is a sector in which youth interest is very high. But the Nigeria First policy will gain traction faster if legislators, elected officials and appointees and others who must drive cars purchased with money from the national exchequer drive locally-made brands. It is one way to go, and a right one too. But implementation is key. TGIF.