NASENI to Adopt ‘Nigeria First Policy’ in Science, Technology

By Adedapo Adesanya

The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) will adopt President Bola Tinubu’s Nigeria First Policy in science and technology to drive local entrepreneurs, manufacturers, and innovators.

The Vice Chairman of NASENI, Mr Khalil Halilu, described the policy as a bold move toward accelerating Nigeria’s industrial revolution and economic growth.

In a statement by NASENI’s Director of Information, Mr Segun Ayeoyenikan, on Monday in Abuja, he commended the directive to the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) to revise and enforce guidelines favouring local suppliers, emphasising that increased government patronage of Nigerian-made goods would drive demand across critical sectors.

Mr Halilu called the policy forward-thinking and revolutionary, noting that NASENI had long championed local content through its initiatives.

He cited examples of Nigerian-assembled vehicles, energy systems, smart irrigation tools, and electronic devices as proof of the competitiveness of local manufacturing.

He also highlighted NASENI’s ongoing Made-in-Nigeria Strategic Focus Group meetings, which aimed to identify challenges and promote solutions to improve consumer trust in local products.

“We are determined to be at the forefront of implementing the President’s vision,” Mr Halilu said, urging local producers to maintain high standards.

He ended by affirming NASENI’s readiness to lead the charge: “We have seen the capacity and competence of our local manufacturers, they are ready.”

President Tinubu’s protectionist Nigeria First Policy has been hailed by many quarters to boost local capacity; however, critics have lamented that such policies don’t take into account Nigeria’s supply gaps in order to meet the demand, which could lead to higher cost of production and prices for consumers.