The House of Representatives is considering a bill aimed at mandating Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to prioritise local manufacturers and indigenous companies in the procurement of goods and services in the country.

Sponsored by Hon. (Barr.) Jesse Okey-Joe Onuakalusi, who represents Oshodi/Isolo Federal Constituency II, Lagos State, the proposed legislation has passed the second reading on the floor of the House of Representatives.

The bill was consolidated with those of two other members of the House, Messrs Obi Aguocha and Nnamdi Ezechi.

Titled “Local Industry Patronage Bill, 2024,” its aim is to ensure that local goods and services are given mandatory priority, with no exceptions for furniture, machinery, motor vehicles, equipment, agricultural implements, or oil and gas products—whether manufactured, assembled, coupled, produced, or refined locally in Nigeria.

Onuakalusi explained that the initiative seeks to promote Nigerian-made goods and services by encouraging talented industrialists, many of whom have not showcased their abilities due to a lack of patronage and an enabling environment.

He noted that the bill aims to reduce Nigerians’ overdependence on imported goods and services, especially those that can be qualitatively and quantitatively produced within the country.

Furthermore, the legislation seeks to foster more research and the discovery of new talents in local goods and services while improving the quality of Nigerian-made products to meet international standards, enabling them to compete with those from Europe, America, and Asia.

He added that the bill would bring significant economic benefits by attracting both foreign and local investors to invest in Nigerian goods and services.

The lawmaker argued that the proposed legislation would strengthen the Naira and reposition the country toward economic self-reliance.