The Federal Government is set to launch a national campaign to promote Made-in-Nigeria goods and services under the Nigeria First policy as part of efforts to revitalise the country’s manufacturing sector.
President Bola Tinubu disclosed this in Lagos at the fifth Adeola Odutola Lecture of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN). He was represented by the Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Sen. John Enoh.
Tinubu said the campaign aims to redirect national demand towards locally produced goods that meet global standards while reducing Nigeria’s heavy dependence on imports.
According to him, preliminary studies indicate that the initiative could boost the manufacturing sector by up to six per cent and create over 500,000 jobs within the next three years.
“No country achieves prosperity or dignity without producing what it can and exporting at scale what it does best,” the President stated. “Economics of resilience begins in the factory and thrives in the marketplace, and we are committed to reducing structural costs and enabling our manufacturers to compete effectively both at home and abroad.”
He reiterated that his administration would continue to prioritise policies that promote production, consumption, and export of Made-in-Nigeria goods.
Tinubu also unveiled six key policy commitments under the Nigeria First strategy, including federal procurement reforms, quality and standards enforcement, export expansion, access to finance, energy and logistics support, skills development, and input security.
He urged MAN members to uphold quality, transparency, and accurate data sharing to aid effective policy planning and industrial development.
In his remarks, the President of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, represented by former MAN President, Mr. Mansur Ahmed, said manufacturers had eight key expectations from the policy.
Dangote stressed that for Nigeria First to succeed, it must be designed as a durable, binding national strategy capable of withstanding political transitions and market pressures.
He highlighted the need for legislative backing, policy stability, and long-term commitment. Other expectations include creating a national supplier registry, driving consumer engagement and cultural buy-in, incentivising backward integration, and addressing infrastructure and energy deficits.
Dangote further called for enhanced access to finance to build local supplier capacity and leverage the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) for regional competitiveness.
“The Nigeria First policy represents a bold opportunity to industrialise sustainably,” he said. “Its success depends on clear legislation, institutional enforcement, and measurable outcomes that prioritise local value creation and national prosperity.”
President of MAN, Otunba Francis Meshioye, commended the government’s efforts to reposition the economy through strategic reforms such as the Nigeria First policy.
He noted that the policy’s full legislation and implementation could significantly boost the fortunes of manufacturers and improve citizens’ welfare.
Meshioye, however, pointed out that the manufacturing sector continues to face tough realities caused by global economic headwinds and domestic constraints.
“The Nigeria First policy is not merely an industrial ambition but a matter of national economic survival,” he said. “If we do not intentionally support our own manufacturers, we will not be able to compete globally.”
He added that the policy symbolises a commitment to building national resilience, creating jobs, conserving foreign exchange, driving innovation, and strengthening Nigeria’s productive base.
“To this end, effective legislation and implementation are key and must be carried out without hesitation,” Meshioye emphasised.
