The Federal Government has unveiled a six-point “Nigeria First” plan to strengthen local industries and spur economic growth.
President Bola Tinubu, represented by the Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, John Enoh, announced the initiative at the 5th Adeola Odutola Lecture and 53rd AGM of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) in Lagos.
Tinubu said the policy aims to prioritise local production in government procurement, improve access to long term financing, ensure reliable energy for industrial clusters, and boost skills development through the Production Grid Skills 2026 programme.
He described Nigeria First as a decisive move to channel public spending toward quality, locally made goods that meet global standards while reducing production costs to make manufacturers more competitive.
According to data from the National Bureau of Statistics, the industrial sector grew by 7.45%, with manufacturing contributing 7.81% to GDP. Tinubu said these gains show progress but urged the industry to push harder for growth.
He challenged manufacturers to maintain high standards, invest in R&D, and share accurate data with the government to aid procurement planning. He also promised increased visibility of Made-in-Nigeria products and more local jobs as firms expand production.
MAN President Francis Meshioye welcomed the policy, saying it could transform the manufacturing sector and improve citizens’ welfare if fully implemented.
