The President of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Francis Meshioye, and the President of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, have called on the Federal Government to strengthen the newly introduced ‘Nigeria First’ policy with enabling legislation to ensure its effective implementation across all ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs).
The industrial leaders made the call during a stakeholders’ engagement session in Lagos, where they commended the Federal Government’s initiative aimed at promoting Made-in-Nigeria goods and services as part of efforts to revitalise the nation’s manufacturing sector.
Meshioye noted that while the policy reflects a positive step toward supporting local industries, it must be in stitutionalised through a clear legal framework to prevent inconsistency and policy reversals.
To make the ‘Nigeria First’ policy truly effective, it should be backed by law. Every MDA should be mandated to prioritise locally manufactured goods in their procurement processes. This will create a sustainable market for Nigerian products and boost industrial capacity,” Meshioye said.
He stressed that manufacturers continue to face challenges such as high production costs, inadequate infrastructure, and limited access to credit, adding that a legally supported ‘Nigeria First’ policy would guarantee steady demand and stimulate job creation.
On his part, Aliko Dangote applauded the government’s commitment to industrial growth but urged stronger enforcement mechanisms to prevent the policy from becoming another “well-intentioned but poorly implemented” initiative.
No country develops by importing what it can produce locally. The government must ensure that all its agencies lead by example in patronising Nigerian products. This is how we can strengthen our industries and conserve foreign exchange,” Dangote stated.
He also called for fiscal incentives and policy stability to attract investment into manufacturing, particularly in value-added sectors such as petrochemicals, cement, and agriculture.
Both leaders pledged the private sector’s readiness to collaborate with the government in achieving self-sufficiency and economic diversification.
The ‘Nigeria First’ policy, recently unveiled by the Federal Government, seeks to promote local production, reduce import dependence, and stimulate inclusive economic growth through domestic value creation.
Observers say the call by MAN and Dangote underscores the importance of translating policy into enforceable action to ensure long-term impact on Nigeria’s industrial landscape.
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