The Bureau of Public Procurement has directed all Ministries, Departments, Agencies, and procurement stakeholders to fully comply with the newly approved “Nigeria First” public procurement policy.

The initiative, a cornerstone of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aims to revitalize local manufacturing and enhance indigenous capacity.

Approved by the Federal Executive Council on May 5, the policy prioritizes Nigerian manufacturers, service providers, and contractors for all federal procurement activities.

It requires stringent justification and BPP waivers for sourcing foreign goods or services, ensuring local businesses take precedence.

This was disclosed in a statement signed by the BPP Director General, Dr. Adedokun Adebowale, in Monday.

The agency emphasised that the new directives are legally binding and will be enforced through additional instruments, including an Executive Order from the Attorney-General of the Federation and a circular from the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

“This is a decisive moment for our country.

“The ‘Nigeria First’ policy is not just a procurement strategy — it is a patriotic call to action to build our economy from within.

“All MDAs must now walk the talk by patronising local talents, goods, and services. Violations will attract sanctions, including procurement cancellation and disciplinary action against erring officers,” Adebowale said.

The BPP has also announced plans to introduce a comprehensive Local Content Compliance Framework to help Ministries, Departments, and Agencies as well as contractors, align with national policy objectives.

The agency noted that it has already begun rolling out revised Standard Bidding Documents and conducting capacity-building sessions across the six geopolitical zones.

To promote clarity and shared responsibility, the BPP also stated that it will issue detailed implementation guidelines and invite stakeholders to contribute insights that will enrich the framework.

A national awareness campaign will also be launched to mobilise public and institutional support.

“We are building a procurement culture that uplifts Nigerian ingenuity.

“By putting Nigeria first, we are planting the seeds of long-term growth, job creation, and industrial innovation,” Adebowale noted.