NASENI Backs President Tinubu’s “Nigeria First Policy” as Catalyst for Industrial Growth

The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has expressed strong support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recently announced “Nigeria First Policy,” describing it as a transformative directive set to fast-track Nigeria’s industrialization and economic development.

In an official statement on Sunday, NASENI’s Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Khalil Suleiman Halilu, lauded the President’s directive to prioritize locally manufactured goods and indigenous innovations in all government procurement processes.

“With this bold directive to the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) to update and enforce procurement guidelines that favor local content, we foresee a major boost in demand for Nigerian-made products,” Halilu stated. “Government remains the largest buyer in our economy. This move is not just symbolic—it’s strategic. It means real business opportunities for local entrepreneurs, manufacturers, and innovators.”

Mr. Halilu described the policy as both “visionary and pragmatic,” aligning seamlessly with NASENI’s long-standing mission to promote homegrown technology and local industrial solutions. He cited NASENI’s wide range of innovations—including Nigerian-assembled vehicles, renewable energy systems, smart irrigation equipment, and electronic devices—as proof of the competitiveness and reliability of local manufacturing.

He also highlighted the agency’s ongoing Made-in-Nigeria Strategic Focus Group engagements across various states, designed to foster dialogue and improve public perception around locally made products. These sessions bring together stakeholders—industry experts, manufacturers, policymakers, and civil society—to address challenges and drive increased consumer acceptance.

“President Tinubu’s policy presents a clear opportunity, but it also comes with responsibility,” Halilu emphasized. “Local producers must rise to the occasion. Policy support alone is not enough. We must maintain the highest standards of quality to compete with global brands and win the trust of Nigerian consumers.”

As part of its mandate to strengthen Nigeria’s science and engineering capacity, NASENI has been actively collaborating with stakeholders across key states such as Lagos, Kano, Kaduna, Anambra, Delta, Ogun, and Katsina to stimulate innovation and solve critical industrial challenges.

The “Nigeria First Policy” directs the BPP to enforce procurement reforms that favor local content, while also maintaining a registry of certified Nigerian manufacturers and service providers to streamline the implementation process.

Concluding the statement, Mr. Halilu reaffirmed NASENI’s commitment to championing the policy:

“Our local manufacturers have proven their potential. With the right policy environment and sustained support, Nigeria can drive a new era of industrial growth powered by indigenous innovation.”