BREAKING: Tinubu Bans Importation of Foreign Products Despite Using Armoured Foreign Cadillac Escalade
The policy, unveiled after Monday’s Federal Executive Council meeting, has drawn both support and criticism—particularly over the contrast between the president’s directive and his continued use of an imported armoured Cadillac Escalade.
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BREAKING: Tinubu Bans Importation of Foreign Products Despite Using Armoured Foreign Cadillac Escalade
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced a sweeping ban on the importation of foreign products that can be produced locally, signaling a renewed push to strengthen Nigeria’s domestic industries.
The policy, unveiled after Monday’s Federal Executive Council meeting, has drawn both support and criticism—particularly over the contrast between the president’s directive and his continued use of an imported armoured Cadillac Escalade.
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The policy—dubbed the Renewed Hope Nigeria First Policy—was unveiled after Monday’s Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting at the Presidential Villa. It aims to boost domestic production, cut reliance on imports, and generate employment through a local-first procurement approach.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said the policy draws inspiration from the “America First” doctrine, made famous by former U.S. President Donald Trump, but with a focus on Nigeria’s economic and developmental needs.
“This is a significant step toward self-reliance,” Idris told journalists. “Public funds should be used to empower Nigerian producers, not to enrich foreign suppliers.”
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Under the new directive, all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) must now prioritize Nigerian-made goods and services in their procurement plans. The Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) will revise its guidelines to enforce this mandate, with contract termination and other penalties awaiting violators.
The policy also restricts the hiring of expatriates. Going forward, foreign professionals will only be employed in roles where no qualified Nigerian exists, and only after special approval from the BPP.
Idris cited the sugar industry as a prime example of the disconnect between local potential and government spending. Despite local producers and a national sugar council, Nigeria continues to import large quantities of sugar.
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“All contracts involving foreign parties must now include provisions for technology transfer and capacity building to strengthen our industrial base,” he added.
Still, critics have questioned the administration’s commitment to the policy, pointing to the president’s use of a luxury American-made SUV. “Symbolism matters,” said a Lagos-based political analyst. “You can’t preach local consumption while riding in imported luxury.”
The presidency has yet to comment on whether Tinubu’s choice of official vehicle will change to reflect the new policy direction.
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The new directive is part of the administration’s broader plan to revitalize Nigeria’s manufacturing sector and reduce the nation’s trade deficit. Whether it can bridge the gap between policy and practice remains to be seen.
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