Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has criticised the ‘Nigeria First’ policy implemented by the Bola Tinubu administration, describing it as a public relations strategy rather than a genuine initiative.
His comments were shared through a press statement from Phrank Shaibu, his special assistant on public communication.
On May 5, the federal executive council (FEC) approved the ‘Nigeria First’ policy, which aims to prioritise the use of locally made goods and services in government procurements.
Abubakar has referred to this initiative as “another tired PR stunt — designed to deceive, not deliver,” suggesting scepticism about its effectiveness and sincerity.
“Nigerians have grown weary of hollow speeches. If this government is truly serious about local content and economic patriotism, it must start at the very top,” he said.
The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2023 challenged Tinubu to set the tone by replacing his Escalade car with a made-in-Nigeria vehicle.
“We challenge President Tinubu to stop the noise and trade in his beloved Escalade for an Innoson, Nord or any made-in-Nigeria car,” he said.
“That single act will do more to promote local industry than a thousand policy memos.”
