Sen. Ali Ndume, representing Borno South, has commended President Bola Tinubu for placing a ban on the importation of foreign goods that can be produced locally.
Ndume described the move as a bold initiative that would promote indigenous entrepreneurs, boost the local economy, and generate employment for Nigerians.
The former Chief Whip of the Senate made the remarks in a statement in Abuja on Tuesday.
Ndume said: “It is heartwarming to hear that President Tinubu has taken this bold decision to ban imported goods that can be produced locally. This will be a major boost for indigenous businesses amid the slipping Nigerian economy.”
He said faithful implementation would shield local producers from being choked out by foreign investors.
The senator representing Borno South senatorial district since 2011, noted the potential economic benefits, saying, “With protection of local industries, there will be employment for our employable youths, the measure will also boost our Gross Domestic Product and the value of Naira will appreciate as there will be less strain on our foreign reserves.”
He urged the Federal Government to impose heavy taxes on some foreign goods to discourage Nigerians from buying them instead of locally produced items.
The presidential directive mandates all federal ministries, departments, and agencies to give absolute priority to Nigerian goods, services, and know-how when spending public funds.
Persecondnews reports that Tinubu has approved the Renewed Hope ”Nigeria First” policy that mandates all federal ministries, departments, and agencies to give absolute priority to Nigerian goods, services, and know-how when spending public funds.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, disclosed this to State House correspondents after Monday’s Federal Executive Council meeting at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja.
The directive “puts Nigeria at the centre of every kobo the government spends,” he said, adding that an Executive Order to give it full legal force will be issued within days.
It mirrors US President Donald Trump’s “America First” doctrine.
Idris said the policy places Nigeria at the centre of all public procurement and business activity, with a strong emphasis on empowering local industries and reducing dependency on foreign imports.
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