Trade Your Escalade for Innoson: Atiku Knocks Tinubu, As Applause, Doubts Greet ‘Nigeria First’ Policy

The Federal Government’s newly approved Nigeria First policy—an economic strategy that prioritizes patronage of locally made goods and services—has drawn a mix of commendation and criticism across industry, political, and civic spheres.

At its core, the policy promises to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported goods by strengthening domestic production. The government has announced a ban on its agencies from importing goods that are made in Nigeria to foster the policy.

However, less than 48 hours after the policy was unveiled, it has attracted criticism and praise from many quarters. Atiku, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has thrown down the gauntlet. If Tinubu is truly committed to economic nationalism, he said, the president should park his foreign-made Cadillac Escalade and embrace Nigerian brands like Innoson or Nord.

“Nigerians have grown weary of hollow speeches,” Atiku said through his spokesman, Phrank Shaibu. “We challenge President Tinubu to stop the noise and trade in his beloved Escalade for an Innoson. That single act will do more to promote local industry than a thousand policy memos.”

Atiku’s criticism did not stop at presidential vehicles. He also called on Tinubu to forgo overseas medical trips and vacation destinations in Europe, suggesting instead that the president embrace Nigeria’s local hospitals and tourist attractions.

“And speaking of double standards, it’s time Mr. President shelves his love affair with Paris and London. If he’s serious about patriotism, his next vacation should be at Obudu Cattle Ranch, Yankari Game Reserve, or Erin Ijesha Waterfalls. Nigeria is beautiful—unless, of course, the President thinks otherwise,” he said.

He added: “More importantly, the era of jetting off for medical tourism while preaching self-reliance must end. We demand that President Tinubu—champion of Nigeria First—conduct all future medical check-ups at LUTH, National Hospital, Abuja, UCH Ibadan, or even the #41 billion Naira Akwa Ibom world-class hospital built by an uncommon transformer, in Uyo.

‘’If these hospitals are good enough for ordinary Nigerians, they should be good enough for their Commander-in-Chief. Anything less is sheer hypocrisy.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, had on Monday announced the Nigeria First policy as part of a broader “Renewed Hope” framework approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC). Idris said the move signals a “bold shift” in the country’s economic strategy, aimed at reducing foreign dependence and expanding local capacity.

Manufacturing Sector Hails the Move

For Nigeria’s struggling manufacturing sector, the announcement feels long overdue.

Segun Ajayi-Kadir, Director General of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), called it “a welcome relief” for local producers who have remained resilient in the face of tough economic headwinds. He said the policy, if properly implemented, could increase capacity utilization, stimulate demand, and attract critical investments.

He added that MAN’s earlier research indicates that the policy could potentially boost GDP by 56 percent and cut unemployment by 37 percent.

“We believe it will have a multiplier effect on the economy,” Ajayi-Kadir said.

He urged all levels of government and government-affiliated institutions—especially security agencies, legislators, and the Presidency—to lead by example.

“All government contracts should prioritize the patronage of made-in-Nigeria materials. The government must consult manufacturers to ensure implementation is effective,” he said.

Ajayi-Kadir also stressed that Nigeria’s economic transformation hinges on beneficiation, adding value to local raw materials rather than exporting them in crude form.

“Let us put action to consuming what we produce so we can expand the production of what we consume,” he said.

NECA Echoes Industry Enthusiasm

The Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) shares the enthusiasm. Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, Director General of NECA, described the policy as a long-awaited economic imperative.

“Over the past few years, we’ve urged government to prioritize patronage of made-in-Nigeria goods,” he said. “This will reduce pressure on forex, stimulate industrial growth, and create jobs.”

However, Oyerinde warned that policy alone is not enough. Without full-scale implementation across ministries and departments, he said, “the policy could suffer the fate of many like it.”

PETROAN Warns of Potential Pitfalls

However, not everyone is celebrating without caution.

The Petroleum Refineries Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) welcomed the intent of the policy but flagged serious risks if not carefully executed.

Dr. Billy Gillis-Harry, the association’s president, warned that a blanket ban on imports could unintentionally trigger inflation, especially in sectors where local production remains insufficient, like petroleum products and pharmaceuticals.

“Essential and sensitive products, such as petroleum products, pharmaceuticals, and other highly consumable goods, should be exempted from the ban or have a waiver to ensure their continuous availability,” the group said.

PETROAN emphasized that while local refining capacity is expanding, it is not yet robust enough to meet domestic demand. A hasty implementation could lead to shortages and price spikes, aggravating an already precarious economic climate.

The association noted other factors that may necessitate importing goods include: “Unavailability of specialized technology or expertise locally, higher quality standards of imported goods, economies of scale favoring imports and strategic or critical nature of the product.”

The group added, “Our primary concern is the availability and affordability of petroleum products in Nigeria to meet the daily consumption volume of over 46 million liters of petrol and other petroleum products.

“We must ensure that our policies do not compromise energy security, as this could have far-reaching consequences for the economy and the well-being of Nigerians.”

A PR Stunt or a Paradigm Shift?

Atiku’s challenge, layered in sarcasm and frustration, frames the broader skepticism surrounding government pronouncements in Nigeria. His reference to ministers riding in Rolls-Royce and the President’s trips to foreign hospitals underscores the disconnect between public declarations and personal behavior.

“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?” he asked.

He accused the administration of demanding economic sacrifices from the public while indulging in the very foreign luxuries the policy seeks to curb.

For the Nigeria First policy to succeed, observers say the government must do more than issue executive orders. It must reflect a cultural shift, where those at the highest levels walk the talk—using local products, investing in local institutions, and abandoning the prestige associated with foreign alternatives.