Onome Amuge
The Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) has called on private-sector operators to leverage the federal government’s Nigeria First Policy as a catalyst for enterprise growth and enhanced national economic resilience.
NECA reiterated its commitment to advancing business competitiveness through advocacy and partnership with government agencies at a recent high-level virtual Knowledge Sharing Session (KSS) themed “Nigeria First Policy: Unlocking Opportunities for Businesses and the Economy.
The session, attended by senior executives from diverse sectors nationwide, offered a detailed examination of the Nigeria First Policy, which is designed to prioritise local production, enhance participation of Nigerian firms in public procurement, and strengthen backward integration across industries. According to Adewale Smatt Oyerinde, NECA director-general, the policy’s success depends on strong public-private collaboration.
“The full potential of the Nigeria First Policy can only be realized if businesses proactively patronize locally made products, while the government continues to implement reforms that ease import dependency and stabilize the Naira,” Oyerinde said. He further highlighted the importance of creating a more competitive, investor-friendly business environment, noting that local enterprises must take the lead in driving industrialization and value addition.
Representatives of government agencies outlined the policy’s objectives and operational framework during the session. Olumuyiwa Ajayiade, director of the Industrial Development Department at the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, emphasised that the Nigeria First Policy aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises industrialisation, local content enhancement, and protection from global supply shocks.
Adebowale Adedokun, director-general of the Bureau of Public Procurement, elaborated on the local procurement and content requirements of the policy. He assured that guidelines for implementation are being finalised and will be shared with NECA to facilitate further engagement with the private sector. “The policy is designed to empower Nigerian businesses, improve product quality standards, and boost global competitiveness,” Adedokun noted.
From the business community,Victoria Uwadoka, chairperson of NECA’s Committee on corporate communications and public affairs experts, highlighted the opportunities the policy presents for Nigerian enterprises, stressing that active participation could accelerate enterprise growth, job creation, and national economic transformation.
The Knowledge Sharing Session received high participation and interactive engagement from employers, who described the session as timely and informative. Many expressed optimism that the policy could reduce dependence on imported goods, enhance domestic production capacity, and improve the overall competitiveness of Nigerian firms on the global stage.
With its renewed focus on collaboration and proactive engagement, NECA affirmed its commitment to supporting the effective implementation of the Nigeria First Policy, positioning the private sector as a critical driver of sustainable economic growth in Nigeria.
