Arewa group hails Tinubu on importation ban
IF your administration’s ‘Nigeria First’ policy is not a public relations gimmick, trade your Escalade for an Innoson vehicle, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar tells President Bola Tinubu.
However, the Arewa Think Tank (ATT), has commended Tinubu for approving a ban on the importation of foreign goods and services that were already available in Nigeria.
ATT described the move as a bold and focused step towards strengthening the economy and advancing the objectives of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Atiku’s position was conveyed in a press statement issued by his Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu. On May 5, 2025, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved a ‘Nigeria First’ policy aimed at prioritising the use of locally-made goods and services in all government procurements.
The Wazirin Adamawa described the policy as “another tired PR stunt” designed to deceive, not deliver.The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential in the 2023 general election said: “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 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. That single act will do more to promote local industry than a thousand policy memos.”
Charging Tinubu’s cabinet members to walk the talk by buying Made-in-Nigeria goods, he added: “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?”The politician also criticised the President’s preference for holidays abroad.
“Speaking of double standards, it is time the President shelved his love affair with Paris and London,” the statement reads. “If he is 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.
“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’– conducts all future medical check-ups at Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), National Hospital Abuja, University College Hospital (UCH) Ibadan, or even the N41 billion Akwa Ibom world-class hospital built by the uncommon transformer, in Uyo.”
According to Atiku, if these hospitals are good enough for ordinary Nigerians, they should be good enough for their commander-in-chief. Anything less is
sheer hypocrisy.
“This government’s addiction to foreign luxuries while demanding sacrifice from suffering Nigerians is the height of insincerity. True leadership isn’t photo-ops or sound bites; it is setting the tone by example.”
The statement added that Nigerians deserve “real commitment, not this never-ending charade”.
IN a statement, yesterday, the Convener of ATT, Muhammad Yakubu, praised the President’s directive, which bars Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) from purchasing foreign goods or services that could be sourced locally, unless a waiver is granted by the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP).
Yakubu noted that the policy aligned with Tinubu’s vision to promote local production, create jobs, and reduce over-dependence on foreign products. He urged Nigerians to support the initiative, saying it would help build a self-reliant economy and stimulate growth in local industries.
