In May 2025, the Federal Executive Council approved the Nigeria First Policy on Procurement of Made-in-Nigeria Goods and Services. This policy mandates all federal ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) to prioritize locally produced goods and services in their procurement. Waivers are only granted when no suitable Nigerian alternative exists. The policy is part of the government’s broader effort to reduce import dependency, strengthen local industries, create jobs, and stabilize the naira.
According to the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), if the policy is properly enforced, it could increase the country’s GDP by up to 56% and reduce unemployment by 37%. For Ebonyi State, an agriculturally rich state with growing industrial potential, this policy presents a significant opportunity to boost economic activity and reduce youth underemployment.
Ebonyi is Nigeria’s leading rice-producing state, thanks to the productivity of the Abakaliki Rice Mill, which houses thousands of milling machines and employs over 1,800 people. The state is also active in palm oil and cassava production, both of which are key commodities in government feeding programs and industrial use. In recent years, the Ebonyi government has worked to revive old factories such as the Ezzamgbo pipe production plant and the state-owned building materials industry. Despite these developments, Ebonyi still records one of the highest poverty rates in the South-East, and many of its young people remain underemployed or involved in informal labor.
The Nigeria First Policy ensures that MDAs can only source from foreign suppliers when local producers genuinely cannot meet demand. The Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) now maintains a verified register of approved local vendors. With over ₦30 trillion projected in procurement spending under the 2025 federal budget, there is a large opportunity for Nigerian businesses, particularly in agriculture, manufacturing, and services, to benefit.
Ebonyi’s major industries stand to gain. The Abakaliki rice mills could see increased demand from federal agencies, including the military and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), which require large quantities of rice. Similarly, palm oil and cassava processing businesses may find new markets through government contracts for school feeding and other programs. The state’s efforts to revive its building materials and pipe industries also align with the policy’s focus on using local inputs in construction projects. Even Ebonyi’s growing leather and footwear sector could benefit from military and police uniform contracts that now prioritize Nigerian suppliers.
Beyond production, the policy also has the potential to create jobs. MAN has forecasted that local manufacturers will be more willing to hire, as government patronage boosts demand. In Ebonyi, this means increased opportunities for factory workers, transporters, logistics staff, and quality assurance professionals. The planned Industrial City in Ezzamgbo, which aims to host manufacturing hubs and tech parks, could thrive if backed by federal procurement contracts. With a large and youthful population, Ebonyi can tap into this potential if its workforce is properly trained to meet procurement standards in packaging, quality control, and certification.
However, challenges remain. The issue of quality perception persists. Many Nigerian consumers and agencies still doubt the reliability of local products. Even with the recent improvements in standards, some Ebonyi producers may struggle to meet the expectations of federal buyers. Additionally, most local businesses operate on a small scale and lack the production capacity to fulfill large government orders. Without forming cooperatives or industrial clusters, these businesses risk being excluded in favor of larger producers in other regions.
Transparency is another concern. In the past, government contracts have often gone to politically connected companies or been affected by favoritism. Without active monitoring and fair processes, Ebonyi-based producers, especially new entrants, may still be overlooked. Infrastructure also poses a challenge. Although road improvements and the new international airport are steps in the right direction, erratic electricity and high transport costs still threaten the competitiveness of local manufacturers.
To take full advantage of the Nigeria First Policy, Ebonyi must take specific steps. The state government should align its procurement laws with the federal directive and create a local register of certified suppliers. Local businesses must pursue necessary certifications like SON and MANCAP and consider forming partnerships or clusters to scale up production. Financial institutions can also play a role by offering flexible funding options for businesses fulfilling government contracts. Furthermore, vocational centers and universities should integrate training modules focused on quality control, packaging, and international standards.
The Nigeria First Policy offers more than just a procurement directive—it is a strategic opportunity to reshape state economies from the ground up. For Ebonyi, this could be the push needed to convert agricultural wealth and industrial revival into real development gains. The question now is whether the state, its institutions, and its people are ready to match policy with preparation, capacity, and vision.
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