Nigeria First Policy Gains Momentum as NASENI, BPP Partner to Boost Local Tech and Products

The federal government’s push to promote local innovation and technology received a major boost with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) and the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP). The collaboration is set to drive the implementation of the Nigeria First Policy, a strategic initiative aimed at prioritising Nigerian-made goods, technologies, and services across public procurement.

Speaking at the signing ceremony held at the BPP headquarters in Abuja, NASENI’s Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive, Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, noted that the partnership with BPP would eliminate about 80% of the hurdles previously faced in attracting investors and foreign partners.

“This MoU marks a turning point. With BPP’s support, over 50 of our market-ready, Nigeria-branded products will move off the shelves and into widespread use,” Halilu stated, adding that NASENI has already attracted over $2 billion in foreign investment, particularly from recent collaborations with China.

He emphasised that the agency is transitioning from a prototype-focused institution to a production-driven organisation. Initiatives like the development of Nigeria’s largest renewable energy park in Nasarawa and a tech partnership with Abuja Technology Village are part of this transformation.

BPP Director-General, Dr. Adebowale Adedokun, highlighted the policy’s broader implications, stating that the agreement bridges the gap between innovation and public sector procurement. “NASENI’s innovations—from tractors to tablets, drones to solar systems—will now be actively prioritised by Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs),” he said.

According to Adedokun, NASENI’s product catalogue will be integrated into the Nigeria Open Contracting Portal (NOCOPO), setting a new standard for transparency and local content promotion. He stressed that the Nigeria First Policy is not protectionist but patriotic—anchored on performance and aimed at accelerating Nigeria’s industrial revolution.

He further revealed that the BPP has revised procurement thresholds to allow MDAs more flexibility: up to ₦5 billion for goods and ₦10 billion for works—moves designed to fast-track decision-making while strengthening oversight and accountability.

The collaboration between NASENI and BPP is expected to play a key role in industrialisation, economic diversification, and job creation—placing locally developed solutions at the forefront of national development.