…Applauds Tinubu’s “Nigeria First Policy”
Dele Ogbodo
In preparedness to flood Nigerian markets with innovative and quality products that will favourably compete with its foreign counterparts, the Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Khalil Suleiman Halilu, has affirmed that the Agency will deliver products that compete favourably with imports and meet the needs of Nigerian consumers.
While commending President Bola Tinubu’s “Nigeria First Policy,” he described the initiative as a bold step towards accelerating Nigeria’s industrial revolution and economic growth.
According to him, NASENI has the mandate to develop Nigeria’s science and engineering infrastructure and in pursuit of that mission has been engaging stakeholders across states including Katsina, Lagos, Anambra, Delta, Kano, Kaduna, and Ogun to boost innovation, address manufacturing challenges, and encourage the adoption of homegrown solutions.
In a statement issued on Sunday, NASENI’s EVC/CEO, commended the policy’s prioritization of locally made goods and indigenous solutions in government procurement.
He acknowledged that the directive would empower local entrepreneurs, manufacturers, and technology innovators by giving them the necessary support to thrive.
Halilu, said: “With Mr. President’s directive to the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) to revise and enforce guidelines in favor of local suppliers, we anticipate a significant increase in patronage of Nigerian-made products.
“Government is a major buyer of goods and services, and this move will translate into increased demand across key sectors.”
Describing the policy as “forward-thinking and revolutionary,” Halilu, noted that NASENI has long championed local content through its own initiatives.
He highlighted products developed by the agency, ranging from Nigerian-assembled vehicles and energy systems to smart irrigation tools and electronic devices, as evidence of the quality and competitiveness of local manufacturing.
He further referenced NASENI’s ongoing Made-in-Nigeria Strategic Focus Group meetings held across the country, aimed at driving awareness and understanding of consumer attitudes toward local products.
These forums, according to him, bring together experts, regulators, manufacturers, entrepreneurs, and civil society actors to identify challenges and promote solutions for increasing local patronage.
“We are determined to be at the forefront of implementing the President’s vision,” Halilu stated. “But this is also a call to action for local producers. It is not enough to enjoy policy support, quality and standards must never be compromised.
President Tinubu’s Nigeria First Policy directs the BPP to implement procurement reforms that prioritize local content and maintain a register of qualified Nigerian manufacturers and service providers.
Halilu, expressed NASENI’s readiness to lead the charge, adding: “We have seen the capacity and competence of our local manufacturers. They are ready. With the right support, we can achieve true industrialization powered by Nigerian solutions.”
