President Buhari signs executive order to improve local content in science, others

President Muhammadu Buhari Monday, in Abuja, signed Executive Order 5 to improve local content in public procurement with science, engineering and technology components.

The Executive Order is expected to promote the application of science, technology and innovation towards achieving the nation’s development goals across all sectors of the economy.

A statement by Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, said the President, pursuant to the authority vested in him by the Constitution, ordered that all “procuring authorities shall give preference to Nigerian companies and firms in the award of contracts, in line with the Public Procurement Act 2007.”

The Executive Order also prohibits the Ministry of Interior from giving visas to foreign workers, whose skills are readily available in Nigeria.

It, however, notes that where expertise is lacking, procuring entities will give preference to foreign companies and firms with a demonstrable and verifiable plan for indigenous development, prior to the award of such contracts.

In the proclamation entitled, “PRESIDENTIAL EXECUTIVE ORDER 5 FOR PLANNING AND EXECUTION OF PROJECTS, PROMOTION OF NIGERIAN CONTENT IN CONTRACTS AND SCIENCE, ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY,” the President also directed Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), to engage indigenous professionals in the planning, design, and execution of national security projects.

It added: “consideration shall only be given to a foreign professional, where it is certified by the appropriate authority that such expertise is not available in Nigeria.”  

Meanwhile, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, on Tuesday, inaugurated the Joint Working Group for the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) Focus Labs at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. 
Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Office of Vice the President, Laolu Akande, in a statement said the establishment of the Focus Labs is expected to further boost economic growth, and ensure Nigeria continues its journey of building a competitive economy.

He said the objectives of the administration’s Economic Recovery and Growth Plan include eradicating corruption in government procurement and processes, prudent management of resources, social inclusion, overcoming power constraints and skills shortages, and further promoting private sector inclusion. 

He noted that in less than a year, following its launch by President Muhammadu Buhari, the implementation of the ERGP has seen the country’s economy record significant strides, including its exit from recession last year, and improved stability in the fiscal and monetary markets.