By ebosele@hotmail.com. –
The Director-General of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), Dr. Adebowale, on January 28, 2026, briefed automotive assemblers on the Federal Government’s Nigeria First Policy, a strategic initiative designed to drive economic growth through preferential procurement and increased patronage of locally manufactured goods.
The policy, a directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, mandates the BPP to oversee its implementation across selected priority sectors, with the automotive industry listed among the first seven sectors earmarked for the rollout.
Dr. Adebowale stressed the need for strong collaboration between the public and private sectors to ensure effective implementation of the policy, warning that compliance would be strictly enforced. According to him, industry players must fully align with the Nigeria First Policy, adding that any assembler unwilling to comply “has no business remaining in the auto sector.”
Also speaking, the Director-General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Otunba Oluwemimo Joseph Osanipin, thanked stakeholders for their engagement and disclosed ongoing discussions with the BPP leadership to ensure the policy’s success.
Osanipin outlined key government expectations under the policy, including adherence to minimum vehicle quality standards, provision of reliable after-sales support, and increased integration of locally sourced components.
He further urged auto assemblers to strengthen dealership structures, deepen local content, and maintain industry standards to support the effective implementation of the Nigeria First Policy, calling on all stakeholders to play active roles in achieving its objectives.
The Nigeria First Policy is expected to boost local manufacturing capacity, create employment opportunities, and stimulate sustainable economic development across the country.
