https://en.sputniknews.africa/20250625/why-nigeria-first-policy-could-be-turning-point-for-local-industry-1075674573.html
Why 'Nigeria First' Policy Could Be Turning Point for Local Industry
Why 'Nigeria First' Policy Could Be Turning Point for Local Industry
Sputnik Africa
As African nations seek greater economic independence, inward-looking policies are gaining ground. Governments are pushing to revive local industries and... 25.06.2025, Sputnik Africa
2025-06-25T12:59+0200
2025-06-25T12:59+0200
2025-07-18T12:59+0200
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Why 'Nigeria First' Policy Could Be Turning Point for Local Industry
Sputnik Africa
As African nations seek greater economic independence, inward-looking policies are gaining ground. Governments are pushing to revive local industries and reduce dependency on imports. Nigeria’s latest move, the “Nigeria First” policy, is a bold attempt to stimulate homegrown production and assert control over public sector procurement.
In Nigeria, the federal government recently ordered all ministries, departments, and agencies to stop purchasing foreign-made goods that are already being produced locally. The directive, seen as a cornerstone of its industrial policy, seeks to protect struggling manufacturers and promote job creation while nudging Nigerians to take pride in local innovation.Although some see the move as largely symbolic, others believe it could unlock long-overdue transformation in Nigeria’s industrial landscape if properly supported. For engineers like Oladimeji Olutimehin, who founded and leads Engineers Without Borders Nigeria, the policy echoes efforts already underway within the country to retool industries and reimagine how engineering can drive self-reliance.In a discussion with Global South Pole, Olutimehin welcomed the Nigeria First policy, noting that it aligns with the ongoing push by local engineers to replace imported components with materials sourced and manufactured within the country. He said the directive could mark a turning point for local industries, especially if the government follows through with support for domestic production and technical capacity.However, the engineer warned that good intentions alone won’t guarantee results. Without strategic investment in vocational training, industrial infrastructure, and engineering education, local products may still struggle to compete, and Nigerians could revert to importing better, cheaper alternatives. For the policy to succeed, he said, “the deep work needs to be done.”To listen to the whole discussion, tune in to the Global South Pole podcast, brought to you by Sputnik Africa.In addition to the website, you can also catch our episodes on Telegram.► You can also listen to our podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Deezer, Castbox, Pocket Casts, Afripods, Podcast Addict, Overcast, and Mave Stream.► Check out all the episodes of Global South Pole.
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Why 'Nigeria First' Policy Could Be Turning Point for Local Industry
Aliyu Bello
Correspondent, Podcast Host
As African nations seek greater economic independence, inward-looking policies are gaining ground. Governments are pushing to revive local industries and reduce dependency on imports. Nigeria’s latest move, the “Nigeria First” policy, is a bold attempt to stimulate homegrown production and assert control over public sector procurement.
In Nigeria, the federal government recently ordered all ministries, departments, and agencies to stop purchasing foreign-made goods that are already being produced locally. The directive, seen as a cornerstone of its industrial policy, seeks to protect struggling manufacturers and promote job creation while nudging Nigerians to take pride in local innovation.
Although some see the move as largely symbolic, others believe it could unlock long-overdue transformation in Nigeria’s industrial landscape if properly supported. For engineers like Oladimeji Olutimehin, who founded and leads Engineers Without Borders Nigeria, the policy echoes efforts already underway within the country to retool industries and reimagine how engineering can drive self-reliance.
In a discussion with Global South Pole, Olutimehin welcomed the Nigeria First policy, noting that it aligns with the ongoing push by local engineers to replace imported components with materials sourced and manufactured within the country. He said the directive could mark a turning point for local industries, especially if the government follows through with support for domestic production and technical capacity.
“Before the policy was mentioned by the president, we had a materials' workshop. The goal was to help Nigerian industries begin sourcing local materials. One of the companies we engaged was Pan Nigeria Limited; they import almost everything they use. As engineers, we knew we had access to those materials locally, so we started asking how to help them. After the workshop, we met with NOTAP [a government agency] and discussed it all. I believe the policy came as a breather for PAN. It will push government agencies to prioritize buying from them,” Olutimehin explained.
However, the engineer warned that good intentions alone won’t guarantee results. Without strategic investment in vocational training, industrial infrastructure, and engineering education, local products may still struggle to compete, and Nigerians could revert to importing better, cheaper alternatives. For the policy to succeed, he said, “the deep work needs to be done.”
To listen to the whole discussion, tune in to the Global South Pole podcast, brought to you by Sputnik Africa.
In addition to the website, you can also catch our episodes on
Telegram.► Check out all the episodes of Global South Pole. 
