Ekeh calls for indigenous innovation

The Chairman, Zinox Group, Leo Stan Ekeh, has described the Nigeria First Policy as a bold call for indigenous innovation in the country.
   
Ekeh said this yesterday during a session at the ongoing Nigerian Bar Association’s 66th yearly general conference, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, themed: “Beyond Limits”.
   
At the session, conversation around Nigeria’s economic trajectory shifted decisively toward strengthening local capacity, embracing digital transformation, and reforming public procurement.
   
Ekeh, who was also a speaker, emphasized that the Nigeria First Policy is a cornerstone for building a sustainable digital economy.
   
Ekeh argued that Nigeria cannot hope to thrive if indigenous businesses are consistently sidelined in favour of foreign alternatives. He called for a policy framework that mandates Ministries, Departments, and Agencies to prioritise homegrown goods, services, and innovations wherever local capacity exists, without compromising global standards.
 
For Ekeh, the Nigeria First Policy is not merely about shielding local companies from competition. It is about creating a dependable domestic market for Nigerian innovators, reducing reliance on imported technology, and channeling economic value back into the country.

By opening procurement opportunities to credible indigenous businesses, government spending can become a powerful engine for investment, innovation, skills development, and sustainable job creation.
 
The session, titled: ‘e-Commerce and Procurement: Transforming Public Contracting through Digital Systems, Transparency and Local Capacity Development’, also spotlighted the role of technology in reshaping public contracting. E-procurement platforms, government cloud infrastructure, digital audit trails, and data protection safeguards are increasingly vital for transparency and accountability. These systems can minimise manipulation, ensure clearer records of procurement decisions, and enhance efficiency across the board.
 
Speakers emphasised that the legal profession must adapt to this transformation. Lawyers are expected to understand the intersection of technology, procurement, and regulation—drafting contracts, ensuring compliance, managing risks, and navigating new mechanisms for dispute resolution.
   
A recurring theme was enforcement. While policies can establish preference for local capacity, their impact depends on compliance. Ekeh urged the Bureau of Public Procurement to impose sanctions on entities that fail to adhere to procurement requirements, stressing that enforcement is the linchpin of credibility.