The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has called on the Federal Government and citizens to prioritise locally made goods, stressing that the success of the ‘Nigeria First’ policy will shape the country’s industrial future and drive sustainable economic growth.
Speaking at a press conference in Lagos on Tuesday, MAN President, Francis Meshioye, described the policy as a turning point for Nigeria’s manufacturing sector.
The Nigeria First policy, approved by President Bola Tinubu in May, mandates all ministries, departments, and agencies to prioritise Nigerian-made products in their procurement processes. Meshioye said this approach would strengthen local value chains, foster self-reliance, and reposition the country from a consumer-driven to a productive economy.
“The policy is more than a directive it is a call to action to deepen local industries and secure Nigeria’s economic transformation. Its success depends on inclusive and deliberate implementation,” he stated.
Meshioye, whose association represents over 2,500 manufacturing firms across 10 sectors, listed poor infrastructure, financing gaps, weak regulation, and inadequate capacity building as key challenges to be addressed.
He announced that MAN’s Annual General Meeting, themed “Nigeria First: Prioritising Patronage of Made in Nigeria”, would run from October 15–16. The three-day event will feature a Made in Nigeria exhibition with over 100 exhibitors, panel sessions on manufacturing innovation, and the Adeola Odutola Lecture with Aliko Dangote as guest speaker. President Bola Tinubu is expected to attend as special guest of honour.
MAN also urged the media and citizens to support the policy by amplifying the voices of manufacturers and choosing local products. Meshioye noted that prioritising local patronage would boost GDP, create jobs, and build national pride.
“By putting Nigeria first, we are not just supporting our economy; we are safeguarding jobs, empowering communities, and building a nation we can all be proud of,” he said.
