- We can clothe ourselves, build our vehicles, and manufacture essential goods locally,” Owan said
- Owan noted that manufacturers often emphasised the importance of predictability over perfection
- He stressed that Nigeria’s reforms aim to move the economy from discretionary toward a stable, production-focused system
Senator John Owan, Minister of State for Industry, has called for urgent action to reduce Nigeria’s reliance on imports and channel the country’s large population into productive industrial activity, warning that sheer numbers alone do not guarantee economic growth.
Speaking at the Redeemed Christian Church of God Lagos Province 35 Economic Summit on Saturday, Owan said the success of the Federal Government’s Nigeria-First policy hinges on policy consistency, coordinated execution, and strategic use of public procurement to stimulate local manufacturing.
Eko Hot Blog reports that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu launched the Nigeria-First policy in 2025 to prioritise Nigerian industries in government procurement.
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“Nigeria does not need to import what we can produce ourselves. We can clothe ourselves, build our vehicles, and manufacture essential goods locally,” Owan said.
“Before leaving Abuja yesterday, I met with the Director-General of the Bureau of Public Procurement. The question we are asking is how to make the Nigeria-First policy work effectively. That’s where our ministry comes in.”
The minister explained that discussions between his office and the Bureau of Public Procurement are targeting key sectors such as textiles, apparel, automotive, medical equipment, and furniture.
“The Bureau is exploring how public procurement can be leveraged to drive local manufacturing, and the opportunities are beginning to emerge,” he added.
Owan highlighted public procurement as a powerful yet underused tool for industrial growth. He argued that predictable government demand encourages private investment and strengthens domestic value chains.
“Look at Bangladesh or Vietnam. They became global exporters not because their infrastructure was perfect, but because they focused on predictability, competitiveness, and value-chain development,” he said. “A large population only translates into economic potential if it is productive. Otherwise, it’s a liability, not an asset.”
The minister also pointed to the automotive sector, suggesting that global manufacturers like Toyota could be incentivised to establish local production.
“Imagine if Toyota was told that unless it produces here, government agencies would not buy its vehicles. That’s how the Nigerian market can become a driver for local industry,” he said.
Owan noted that manufacturers often emphasised the importance of predictability over perfection. “One business leader told me, ‘I don’t need everything to be perfect; I just need things to be predictable.’ That captures the essence of what encourages investment, expansion, and job creation,” he explained.
He stressed that Nigeria’s reforms aim to move the economy from discretionary, consumption-driven policies toward a stable, production-focused system.
“Entrepreneurs innovate when rules are clear, investors commit when policies are predictable, and manufacturers expand when planning is reliable. Predictability is the foundation of competitiveness,” Owan said.
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