JUST IN: FG to ban use of foreign goods in executing govt contracts

…as FEC approves local content push

By Kunle Sanni

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved a sweeping proposal by President Bola Tinubu to prioritize local content in public procurement and curb the overreliance on imported goods and services.

Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, announced the decision on Monday after the FEC meeting in Abuja, describing it as a core part of Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda aimed at fostering self-reliance and empowering domestic industries.

“The priority will now be Nigeria first,” Idris told journalists. “If a product or service is available locally, there will be no justification for going abroad to procure it.”

The Office of the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, has been directed to draft an Executive Order to give legal backing to the new policy. The initiative will be enforced through revised procurement rules and stricter oversight.

Under the measures, the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) is mandated to revise guidelines, develop a compliance framework, and maintain a register of high-quality Nigerian manufacturers and service providers.

All procurement officers will be posted to Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to ensure adherence without compromising service delivery. Any breaches could lead to sanctions, including process cancellations and disciplinary actions.

The new rules also require MDAs to immediately update procurement plans in line with the policy. Foreign procurement will only be permitted when no viable local alternative exists — and must include provisions for technology transfer or local capacity building.

“This is a significant shift in government policy,” Idris said. “We are placing Nigeria at the heart of all government business and contracts.”