Business
FG Announces New Procurement Policy Shift Favouring Local Manufacturing
The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved a “Nigeria First Policy” aimed at prioritising the use of locally made goods and services in all government procurements.
The Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, made the disclosure saying that the policy seeks to domesticate all government processes.
The Nigerian government expects that with the new policy, local manufacturers will get priority in the provision of goods and services.
“No procurement of foreign goods or services already available locally shall proceed without justification, and where there is an exceptional need for these services to procure from outside, there must be a waiver to be obtained, written waiver to be obtained by the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP),” Mr Idris said.
“Where no viable local option exists, contracts must include provisions for technology transfer, local production or skills development.
For example, the provision of portal allocations under the sugar master plan should take into consideration participants’ backwards integration plans and investment in Nigeria and ensure compliance with the Master Plan.
“The MDAs have also been directed to immediately conduct an audit of all procurement plans and submit revised versions in line with these directives. Breaches will attract sanctions, including cancellation of procurement processes by such MDAS, and indeed disciplinary action against responsible officers,” the minister noted.
The federal cabinet approved these proposals on Monday and the office of the Attorney General of the Federation has been directed to prepare an Executive Order to be issued by President Bola Tinubu.
This is a major shift in government policy, Mr Idris added. “It puts Nigeria – not foreign companies, not imports – at the heart of our national development.”Once signed into law, Mr Idris said, the legislation will “foster a new business culture that will be bold, confident, but also very, very Nigerian, and it aims at making the government invest in our people and our industries by changing how the government spends money, how we procure and how we also build our economy.”“Going forward, Nigerian industry will take precedence in all procurement processes,” the minister said.
This is a major shift in government policy, Mr Idris added. “It puts Nigeria – not foreign companies, not imports – at the heart of our national development.
”Once signed into law, Mr Idris said, the legislation will “foster a new business culture that will be bold, confident, but also very, very Nigerian, and it aims at making the government invest in our people and our industries by changing how the government spends money, how we procure and how we also build our economy.”
Where local supply falls short, contracts will be structured to build capacity domestically, according to Mr Idris. “Contractors will no longer serve as intermediaries sourcing foreign goods where local factories die. I take the example of the sugar industry.”
“For example, we still have so much importation of sugar coming into this country, yet we have the Nigerian sugar council that was set up to look inward to see how sugar production can be produced, you know, for the benefit of Nigerians.
President Tinubu has proposed that we will no longer just sit there and allow importation to come into this country where there is the capacity for production of these commodities locally.
Now, as I said, the president has proposed the following directives, and all of them have been approved by the Federal Executive Council.”
President Tinubu has proposed that we will no longer just sit there and allow importation to come into this country where there is the capacity for production of these commodities locally. Now, as I said, the president has proposed the following directives, and all of them have been approved by the Federal Executive Council.”
Business
President Tinubu Receives Nigeria’s Tax Ombudsman, Urges Fairness and Transparency in Tax Administration
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday received Dr. John Nwabueze, the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Tax Complaints Commission—widely known as the Tax Ombudsman—at the State House in Abuja.
The meeting, attended by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, comes as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s tax reform agenda and build public confidence in the revenue system.
Dr. Nwabueze was appointed by President Tinubu on November 4, 2025, as the pioneer Tax Ombudsman under the Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Act, 2025.
The legislation establishes the Office of the Tax Ombud (also referred to as the Tax Complaints Commission) to serve as an independent body for investigating and resolving disputes between taxpayers and tax authorities, including complaints related to taxes, levies, customs duties, excise matters, and regulatory charges.
During the audience, President Tinubu charged Dr. Nwabueze to diligently execute his mandate with integrity, impartiality, and professionalism. The President reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to fairness, transparency, and accountability in tax administration, emphasizing that the new office is a critical tool for protecting taxpayers’ rights, reducing arbitrary actions by officials, and fostering voluntary compliance.
The establishment of the Tax Ombudsman is seen as a key pillar of President Tinubu’s broader fiscal reforms aimed at harmonizing revenue administration across federal, state, and local levels, curbing multiple taxation, and creating a more predictable and equitable business environment.
Dr. Nwabueze, a seasoned tax professional from Oshimili South Local Government Area of Delta State, brings extensive experience in tax policy, fiscal advisory, and public service. His background includes roles as Managing Partner of a tax advisory firm, Technical Adviser to National Assembly committees, and adviser to former economic teams.
The new laws empowering the Tax Complaints Commission are expected to enhance taxpayer protection, promote efficient dispute resolution through mediation rather than litigation, and ultimately boost trust in Nigeria’s revenue framework amid the country’s push for sustainable economic growth and improved revenue generation.
Business
Court jails Ex- NEXIM MD Robert Orya for N2.4bn Fraud
Robert Orya was prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on 49 counts, bordering on breach of trust, fraud, misappropriation, impersonation, corruption, and abuse of office.
•Robert Orya
A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Abuja has convicted former Managing Director of the Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM), Robert Orya, and sentence him to ten years’ imprisonment for fraud involving about ₦2.4 billion.
Robert Orya was prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on 49 counts, bordering on breach of trust, fraud, misappropriation, impersonation, corruption, and abuse of office.
Justice Frances Messiri delivered the judgment, on Thursday sentenced Orya to ten years on each count, with the terms to run concurrently.
The offences were traced to Orya’s tenure as NEXIM Managing Director between 2011 and 2016, during which he was found to have diverted bank funds through shell companies, including Luxurium Leisure Services Limited.
The court also found that he fraudulently induced the disbursement of loans, including ₦488 million to Treasure Mix Construction Limited, under false pretences.
Orya was first arraigned by the EFCC in November 2021.
Business
South Korea to Produce Electric Vehicles in Nigeria
The project will be implemented in phases, beginning with EV assembly and expanding into full in-house production, with an estimated capacity of 300,000 vehicles.
Photo: Minister of State for Industry, John Enoh, and AEDC Chairman,Yoon Suk-hun.
The Federal Government has signed an agreement with South Korea to establish an electric vehicle manufacturing plant in Nigeria.
In a document seen by Ohibaba.com, the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by the Minister of State for Industry, John Enoh, and the Chairman of the Asia Economic Development Committee (AEDC),Yoon Suk-hun, for South Korea.
The initiative will accelerate technology transfer, investment promotion, human capital development, and research, design, and innovation.
The project will be implemented in phases, beginning with EV assembly and expanding into full in-house production, with an estimated capacity of 300,000 vehicles and the creation of approximately 10,000 jobs.
Nigeria’s automotive sector faces structural challenges, including limited local component production, high assembly costs, and heavy reliance on imports.
The country imports between 400,000 and 720,000 vehicles annually, with 74–90% being used cars.In 2023, imports reached 700,000 units, with passenger cars valued at $1.05 billion in 2024, making Nigeria one of the world’s largest markets for pre-owned vehicles.
To promote electric mobility, the federal government launched a 20 billion naira ($12 million) consumer credit program in December 2024.
The scheme supports the purchase of locally assembled electric vehicles, motorcycles, and tricycles, partnering with domestic manufacturers including Innoson, Nord, CIG (GAC), PAN, Mikano, Jets, NEV (Electric), and DAG to expand access and foster the growth of a homegrown EV industry
President Tinubu Receives Nigeria’s Tax Ombudsman, Urges Fairness and Transparency in Tax Administration
President Tinubu Meets Kwara Governor Amid Response to Deadly Kaiama Attack
Nigeria Launches National Halal Economy Strategy to Tap into $7.7 Trillion Global Market
Tech Expert, Zuckerberg trains with UFC champions, Adesanya, Alexander
Organ Trafficking: Ekweremadu bags 10 years in UK prison
SAINT OBI: Between his marriage and his death
-
News2 days agoADAMS OSHIOMOLE: The Labour Leader Died
-
News2 days agoSenate Holds Closed-Door Session on Electoral Act Amendment Bill Committee Report
-
News2 days agoSenate Confirms Hon. Justice Olubunmi Kayode Oyewole as Supreme Court Justice
-
News2 days agoBenue @50: Gov Alia Immortalises Gen. Murtala Muhammed
-
News2 days agoNanya’s Death: Senate Urges FG to Mandate Anti-Venom Stocking in Hospitals
-
Business2 days agoNAFDAC presents alcohol survey reports backing ban
-
News2 days agoUS sends troops to Nigeria
-
Business2 days agoUBA Group Announces Loknath Mishra As UK CEO