The Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE) has urged the federal government to codify the Nigeria First Policy into law, emphasizing that legislative backing is crucial for its effective enforcement and sustainability.
The policy, announced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, seeks to prioritize Nigerian services, human capital, and enterprises in both public procurement and investment decisions, aiming to reduce import dependency and strengthen domestic production capacity.
CPPE CEO Muda Yusuf noted that the policy’s impact could be weakened by poor enforcement, lack of institutional coordination, and policy inconsistency if not properly codified.
The Centre proposed several steps for effective implementation:
- Integrate domestic preference clauses into all public procurement and investment promotion frameworks.
- Introduce targeted fiscal incentives to stimulate domestic production and strengthen local supply chains.
- Build strong institutional and enforcement capacity to ensure compliance, reduce leakages, and maintain momentum.
- Foster public–private collaboration to drive innovation, ensure supply readiness, and deepen economic inclusion.
- Establish sector-specific benchmarks and measurable performance indicators to monitor impact and refine strategies.
“The Nigeria First Policy represents a strategic inflection point in Nigeria’s economic development journey. By deliberately prioritising domestic production, value addition, and local participation, the nation can achieve long-term growth and self-reliance,” the statement concluded.
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