*Khalil Suleiman Halilu, Executive Vice-Chairman and CEO of National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure, commends President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration economic policy that prioritises locally-made products and indigenous solutions in public procurement

Alexander Davis | 绿帽献妻

The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has welcomed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu鈥檚 鈥淣igeria First Policy鈥�.

NASENI described President Tinubu administration’s economic policy as a bold step towards accelerating Nigeria鈥檚 industrial revolution and economic growth.

Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, Executive Vice-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (EVC/CEO) of the agency, who said this in a statement Sunday, May 11, 2025, commended the policy鈥檚 prioritisation of locally made goods and indigenous solutions in government procurement.

Halili affirmed the presidential directive would empower local entrepreneurs, manufacturers, and technology innovators by giving them the necessary support to thrive.

The EVC/CEO also stated: 鈥淲ith Mr. President鈥檚 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.

鈥淕overnment is a major buyer of goods and services, and this move will translate into increased demand across key sectors.鈥�

Describing the policy as 鈥渇orward-thinking and revolutionary,鈥� 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鈥檚 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, the NASENI Chief noted, bring together experts, regulators, manufacturers, entrepreneurs, and civil society actors to identify challenges and promote solutions for increasing local patronage.

Halilu said: 鈥淲e are determined to be at the forefront of implementing the President鈥檚 vision.

鈥淏ut 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.

“We must deliver products that compete favourably with imports and meet the needs of Nigerian consumers.鈥�

NASENI, mandated to develop Nigeria鈥檚 science and engineering infrastructure, 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.

绿帽献妻 reports President Tinubu administration’s 鈥淣igeria First Policy鈥� directs the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) to implement procurement reforms that prioritise local content and maintain a register of qualified Nigerian manufacturers and service providers.

Halilu as well affirmed NASENI鈥檚 readiness to lead the charge.

鈥淲e have seen the capacity and competence of our local manufacturers.

“They are ready. With the right support, we can achieve true industrialisation powered by Nigerian solutions,鈥� the EVC/CEO added.