BPP, SON to Enforce Nigerian Standards in Public Procurement under ‘Nigeria First’ Policy

The Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) have announced a major step toward boosting local industry and ensuring quality in government projects by integrating the Nigerian Industrial Standards (NIS) into all federal procurement processes. This move aligns with the Federal Government’s “Nigeria First” policy, championed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and is set to transform how goods, works, and services are sourced for public projects nationwide.

Key Details of the New Policy

• Mandatory Local Standards:
  All goods, works, and services procured by federal Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) must now comply with Nigerian Industrial Standards (NIS). This is in accordance with the SGF Circular dated May 27, 2025, which mandates preference for Made-in-Nigeria products and certification by relevant agencies.
• Digital Standards Platform (DSP) Requirement:
  Companies bidding for government contracts will soon be required to present a certificate of subscription to SON’s Digital Standards Platform (DSP) as part of their prequalification documents. This ensures bidders have access to, and comply with, the latest standards for their products and services.
• MDAs to Update Procurement Processes:
  MDAs are expected to access the DSP for procurement planning and specification writing, ensuring that all requirements are based on prescribed Nigerian standards. This will help verify compliance and embed quality from the earliest stages of project planning.
• Promotion of Local Industry:
  The policy is designed to promote local manufacturing, reduce the influx of substandard imports, and strengthen Nigeria’s industrial capacity. Any attempt to procure foreign goods or services that are available locally will require a formal waiver from the BPP, with strict justification.
• Implementation Timeline:
  MDAs are to begin updating their procurement processes immediately, while companies are encouraged to subscribe to the DSP and obtain their certificates in preparation for the new requirements.

Expected Impact

• Quality Assurance:
  By embedding NIS compliance into procurement, the government aims to safeguard public investments and ensure the reliability of government projects.
• Economic Empowerment:
  The initiative is expected to empower local manufacturers, create jobs, and boost confidence in Nigeria’s public procurement system.
• Enforcement and Compliance:
  The BPP has warned that violations of the new policy—including bypassing local content requirements—will attract sanctions, including cancellation of procurement processes and disciplinary action against responsible officers.

Stakeholder Call-to-Action

ADVERTISEMENT

All stakeholders, including MDAs, contractors, and suppliers, are urged to embrace these changes. The government affirms that the new procurement regime will not only prioritize Nigerian products but also guarantee quality and value for public funds.

“The ‘Nigeria First’ policy is not just a procurement strategy — it is a patriotic call to action to build our economy from within,” said Dr. Adedokun Adebowale, Director General of BPP.

For further details, stakeholders are encouraged to consult the BPP and SON websites for updates on implementation guidelines and compliance procedures.