Opposition leader and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called on President Bola Tinubu to lead by example in implementing the newly announced “Nigeria First” procurement policy, urging him to abandon foreign luxuries in favour of local alternatives.
In a statement released Tuesday in Abuja by his spokesperson, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku questioned the sincerity of the policy, which was unveiled at the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting presided over by President Tinubu on Monday.
Describing the move as a “tired PR stunt,” Atiku challenged Tinubu to “stop the noise and trade in his beloved Escalade for an Innoson, Nord or any made-in-Nigeria car,” arguing that such symbolic action would do more to promote local industry than “a thousand policy memos.”
He also took aim at government officials who, he said, flaunt foreign-made luxury vehicles, calling them “shameless Rolls Royce connoisseurs.” According to him, if the Nigeria First policy is genuine, ministers and top officials should “sweat it out in Nigerian-made vehicles too.”
Atiku went further to challenge the president’s travel and healthcare choices. “If he’s serious about patriotism, his next vacation should be at Obudu Cattle Ranch, Yankari Game Reserve, or Erin Ijesha Waterfalls,” he said, urging Tinubu to spend time appreciating Nigeria’s tourist attractions rather than traveling to Paris or London.
Criticizing the president’s foreign medical visits, Atiku declared: “We demand that President Tinubu… conduct all future medical check-ups at LUTH, National Hospital Abuja, UCH Ibadan, or even the ₦41 billion Akwa Ibom world-class hospital in Uyo.”
He accused the administration of hypocrisy for encouraging Nigerians to support local industries while continuing to indulge in foreign luxuries. “True leadership isn’t photo-ops or soundbites—it’s setting the tone by example. Nigeria deserves real commitment, not this never-ending charade,” he concluded.
What you should know
Atiku’s critique of the “Nigeria First” policy reflects growing skepticism from opposition voices over the Tinubu administration’s commitment to domestic development.
His challenges underscore a broader national debate about leadership credibility, economic nationalism, and the gap between policy and practice in Nigeria.
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