Can the ‘First Nigeria’ policy be successful when leaders still deposit local products?

In recent weeks, the “Nigeria First” policy that has just been printed by the Federal government has resulted in a busy optimism among industrialists, economists, and every day Nigeria who are tired of seeing local producers who are strangled by imported products that are thrown into the country.

However, when the Minister of Home Affairs Olubunmi Tunji-ojo and Minister of Information Mohammed Idris praised this initiative as the foundation of national revitalization, a calmer debate but only important has emerged: why so many of our civil servants still choose foreign-made cars, gadgets, and services when they have to lead with examples?

On May 5, the Federal Executive Board officially approved a policy that could be proven transformational. In essence, “Nigeria First” mandates that every federal government’s arm, from the Ministry to Parastatal, prioritizes goods and services that are produced locally in procurement. This reiterates back integration, where raw materials and medium input are sourced from the Nigerian company, spurring the addition of domestic values, maintaining foreign exchange, and eventually creating jobs.
During the recent performance at the Channels Television Youth Forum, Minister Tupi-Ojo, on Thursday, describing “Nigeria First” as “important steps towards industrialization.” He showed that the competitive pressure of countries like China, where the cost of labor on average was a small part of us and energy was highly subsidized, making Nigerian factories struggle against heavy battles. By raising “made in Nigeria” in a government contract, administration signifies a sincere willingness to protect and grow our industrial base.

“Two things make me happy to be part of this government,” said Tupi-ojo. “One of them is the problem of Nigeria first because it is a real way for industrialization.”

He explained that without a clear policy prioritizing goods and services made by Nigeria, local producers will remain disadvantaged. “You cannot compete with countries like China where cheap and more affordable labor. The first Nigeria is a signal that we are ready to protect ourselves,” he said, praising the decision of President Tinubu to “look into” and adopt the backward integration strategy.

Completing the procurement policy is Naira for Crude Initiative, which encourages local purification from the gift of Nigeria crude oil rather than exporting barrels that have not been processed and import gasoline at the peak driven by foreign exchange. Supporters argue that by perfecting at home, the government maintains dollars, supports local techniques and petrochemicals, and drivers’ shields from volatile pump prices. Indeed, as Minister Tupio noted, domestic fuel costs have subside even when the global oil market has jumped, a sign that the decline in FX pressure can provide tangible and direct assistance to the Nigerians.

Also Read: Residents Folding When the Shepherds launched a deadly attack on the Benue Community (Video)

But the most powerful challenge for “Nigeria First” is not an economic theory but daily practice among officials assigned to implement it. It is difficult to take the Salvo policy seriously when the ministers and permanent secretaries rose to diplomatic meetings in German-made sedans, host conferences in imported branded hotels, and boast using foreign consultation services.

This is “do as I said, not like what I did” erode public trust. The Nigerians who once believed that political leaders might fight for a home industry which is now cynically joking that “Nigeria First” has become a slogan of other children’s campaigns, but shipping has fallen. Critics argue that if the government really wants the people’s faith, The. It must lead by setting an example.

The official fleet, a state -owned company, and even the vice president of residence must be exhibited for Nigerian ingenuity: vehicles that are assembled locally, telecommunications solutions built by homemade technology companies, catering by native chefs, and interiors made by Nigerian evidences.

Critics will argue that domestic alternatives are sometimes left behind in quality or capacity. Indeed, local producers must also go up to challenges to meet government standards. But the policy itself requires an approach of two branches: protection for newborn industries plus the leadership of the public sector in the collection and guarantee of quality. The government has prerogative and responsibility for investing in capacity building, providing technical assistance, credit guarantees, and performance -based grants so that the Nigerian company can compete even for the footing.

In addition, each ministry and public institution must issue quarterly procurement reports that detailed the percentage of expenses for local goods and services. Groups of civil society and media can then track compliance and slow name-and-first. By highlighting the pattern of procurement, the government can change the “first Nigerian” from the point of conversation to an upheld standard.

Minister Tunji-ojo acknowledged that “This decision should have been made a few decades ago.” Recognition, while honest, underlined the urgent need to act. “Nigeria First” cannot remain a novelty of policy, it must be an operational norm for every public servant, from junior procurement officers to cabinet ministers.