Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has challenged President Bola Tinubu to lead by example in implementing the new “Nigeria First” policy by replacing his Cadillac Escalade with a car manufactured in Nigeria, such as Innoson or Nord.
Atiku’s remarks came shortly after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting on Monday, where the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, unveiled the federal government’s new economic plan—called the Renewed Hope Nigeria First Policy.
According to the minister, this initiative aims to prioritize local products and businesses in all government-related spending and contracts.
Idris noted that the policy would soon be backed by an executive order to ban the import of items that could be produced within Nigeria. He explained, “This policy means Nigeria comes first in all procurement processes; no foreign goods or devices that are already being produced locally will be procured without a clear and justified reason.”
He also stated that the goal is to change the government’s approach to budgeting, purchasing, and economic support. “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.”
In reaction to this, Atiku issued a statement on Wednesday, calling the policy a “PR stunt” unless those in leadership positions practice what they preach.
He said, “The Tinubu administration’s latest Nigeria First mantra, paraded through the Federal Executive Council, is nothing but another tired PR stunt—designed to deceive, not deliver.
“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.
“We challenge President Tinubu to stop the noise and trade in his beloved Escalade for an Innoson, Nord or any made-in-Nigeria car. That single act will do more to promote the local industry than a thousand policy memos.
“Let’s see the ministers—those shameless Rolls-Royce connoisseurs—sweat it out in Nigerian-made vehicles, too. Or is Nigeria First only for the masses?”
