FG to sanction MDAs that violate Nigeria First vehicle procurement policy

The Federal Government has announced that Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and suppliers who violate the ‘Nigeria First’ policy on local vehicle procurement will be sanctioned.

Dr Adebowale Adedokun, Director General of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), made the statement during the signing of a policy framework for the procurement of locally assembled automotive products with the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) in Abuja.

The ‘Nigeria First’ policy, launched by President Bola Tinubu, limits MDAs from purchasing foreign goods and services that can be sourced locally. Under the policy, the BPP is required to prioritise local content by maintaining an updated register of qualified Nigerian manufacturers and service providers.

MDAs that wish to procure foreign alternatives must provide written justification and obtain a formal waiver from the BPP before such procurement can be approved.

Adedokun stressed that all procurement entities must source vehicles only from local assemblers approved by NADDC.

He said the framework establishes enforceable compliance requirements covering procurement planning, bidding documentation, contract awards and contract management processes.

“Any false claims, misrepresentation or procurement undertaken outside the approved framework will attract sanctions in line with the Public Procurement Act and other applicable regulations,” he said. “BPP will not issue a certificate of no objection outside the approved list of locally assembled manufacturers in the country.”

The BPP chief noted that the initiative would strengthen accountability, promote value for money and support the Federal Government’s industrialisation drive.

He added that public procurement should not only provide assets for government use but also stimulate local production, create jobs and reduce procurement abuses.

Adedokun further revealed that the policy has already attracted interest from foreign investors looking to establish vehicle manufacturing plants in Nigeria, and that local assemblers have improved significantly in both quality and affordability of vehicles produced in the country.

Also speaking, Joseph Osanipin, Director General of NADDC, described the policy as a major step toward transforming Nigeria’s automotive industry and the broader economy.

Osanipin said the automotive industry remains critical to industrial development because of its strong linkages with sectors such as steel, oil and gas, lubricants and technical services.

He added that the policy has already generated interest from global Original Equipment Manufacturers and spare parts producers seeking to establish operations in Nigeria.

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