Abuja: The Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) and the Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) have formalized a partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to advance Nigeria’s local manufacturing capabilities and economic development. This strategic alliance is set to implement the Nigeria First Policy, focusing on local content and indigenous solutions to national challenges.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, during the signing event in Abuja, Dr. Adebowale Adedokun, Director-General of BPP, stated that the collaboration aims to create a bridge between production and procurement, emphasizing locally made solutions in public service delivery. This initiative is designed to ensure value for money in public procurement and align policies with national priorities.
Adedokun highlighted that the partnership is about building a pipeline from Nigerian innovation to national transformation. The agreement will prioritize NASENI’s innovations, including tractors, tablets, drones, and solar systems, in the procurement plans of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs). The framework intends to make local options the default choice, supported by quality assurance from the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and NAFDAC.
The partnership is positioned not as protectionism but as a patriotic move grounded in performance, with the BPP committed to ensuring standards are rewarded with access. The BPP plans to integrate NASENI’s catalogue into the Nigeria Open Contracting Portal (NOCOPO), enhancing the visibility and verifiability of NASENI’s offerings across all MDAs. The NOCOPO’s price intelligence has previously saved Nigeria significant funds, which are redirected to critical sectors like education and healthcare.
To ensure the effective implementation of this partnership, a Technical Working Committee has been established to align production timelines with procurement cycles, focusing on tracking outcomes and continuous improvement. Adedokun urged other sectors to adopt similar strategies and encouraged citizen engagement in tracking procurements for accountability.
Mr. Khalil Halilu, Executive Vice-Chairman/CEO of NASENI, expressed that the MoU is expected to attract more investments and promote local manufacturing. The agreement will prioritize patronage for companies partnering with NASENI, bolstering efforts to push the Nigeria First Policy and further industrialization.
Halilu noted a surge in partnership applications and the development of market-ready products, with plans to showcase these innovations soon. He emphasized the importance of protecting local industries from becoming a dumping ground for imports and outlined NASENI’s initiatives, including building a significant renewable energy park and developing electronics and electric vehicles.
The agency’s policies are also inclusive, incorporating women and youth into its workforce, thus supporting broader participation in Nigeria’s industrial growth.
