New policy mimics 'America First’ strategy

President Bola Tinubu has ordered a ban on importation of foreign goods, especially those that can be produced locally in Nigeria, reports the Daily Post. Tinubu also placed a caveat on expatriates coming into Nigeria to execute jobs, which local contractors and artisans can undertake, unless there is convincing justification for it, including express permission from the Bureau of Public Procurement. Minister of Information & National Orientation Mohammed Idris said Tinubu, in a landmark decision aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s domestic economy and promoting local content, approved a sweeping new policy framework tagged the Renewed Hope Nigeria First Policy. Idris described the policy as a bold shift in the country’s economic approach. He said it mirrors US President Donald Trump’s ‘America First’ doctrine. The Information Minister also noted that the policy places Nigeria at the centre of all public procurement and business activity, with a strong emphasis on empowering local industries and reducing dependency on foreign imports. The Minister disclosed that the Attorney-General has been directed to draft an executive order to give full legal effect to the new framework.