The Federal Government has called for urgent steps to reduce Nigeria’s reliance on imported goods, saying the country must begin producing more of what it consumes if it hopes to create jobs and grow its economy.
Minister of State for Industry, Senator John Owan Enoh, made the call on Saturday while speaking at the Redeemed Christian Church of God Lagos Province 35 Economic Summit.
He said Nigeria’s large population would only become an economic advantage if it is properly engaged in productive activities, warning that population growth alone does not guarantee prosperity.
According to the minister, the success of the Federal Government’s Nigeria-First policy depends on clear implementation, stable policies and the strategic use of government purchasing power to support local industries.
President Bola Tinubu introduced the Nigeria-First policy in 2025 to ensure Nigerian businesses are prioritised in public procurement and government contracts.
Owan explained that discussions were already ongoing between the Ministry of Industry and the Bureau of Public Procurement to drive implementation in sectors such as textiles, automobile manufacturing, medical equipment and furniture production.
He said government procurement remains one of the most effective but underused tools for industrial development, noting that when local manufacturers can count on steady government demand, they are more likely to invest, expand operations and employ more Nigerians.
The minister argued that Nigeria should stop importing products it has the capacity to manufacture locally, using clothing production as one example.
He also cited the automobile sector, saying global carmakers would be encouraged to establish assembly or manufacturing plants in Nigeria if policies required government agencies to buy only vehicles produced locally within a set timeframe.
Owan pointed to countries like Bangladesh and Vietnam as examples of nations that grew strong export industries not because they had perfect infrastructure, but because they created predictable policies, improved competitiveness and focused on building value chains.
He said many Nigerian manufacturers have repeatedly told government that what they need most is consistency rather than perfection.
According to him, businesses invest more easily when rules are clear, policy direction is stable and long-term planning is possible.
He described predictability as a key driver of competitiveness, adding that uncertainty forces businesses to spend resources managing risks instead of expanding production.
The minister said current reforms under the Tinubu administration are aimed at moving Nigeria away from a consumption-based economy toward one built on production, fairness and confidence.
He warned that Nigeria’s youthful population could become a burden if industries do not grow quickly enough to absorb workers and create sustainable employment.
In his words, a large population only becomes valuable when it is productive, otherwise it creates pressure instead of opportunity.
Owan said aligning industrial policy with procurement reform would help cut imports, strengthen domestic manufacturing and ensure public spending benefits Nigerian businesses rather than foreign producers.
He added that the country must use 2026 to create more jobs, deepen investments, expand trade and build stronger industries capable of supporting long-term economic growth.
