Atiku Slams Tinubu’s ‘Nigeria First’ Policy, Demands Action Over Rhetoric

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has taken aim at President Bola Tinubu over the newly launched ‘Nigeria First’ policy, which promotes the use of locally made products and services, particularly in government procurement. While the initiative has received praise from groups like the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), and Senator Ali Ndume, Atiku believes the federal government isn’t practicing what it preaches.

Speaking through his media aide, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku criticized the policy rollout as a superficial publicity campaign. “The Tinubu administration’s latest Nigeria First mantra, paraded through FEC, is nothing but another tired PR stunt, designed to deceive, not deliver,” Shaibu stated.

He called on Tinubu to back his words with tangible action by ditching his official luxury vehicle, the Escalade, in favor of a car made in Nigeria. “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,” Shaibu added.

Atiku also took a swipe at ministers who continue to flaunt their taste for foreign-made luxury cars like Rolls Royce, urging them to show genuine support for Nigerian manufacturers. “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?” he asked.

Going further, Atiku called on Tinubu to set an example by ending his overseas travels for medical treatment and leisure. He urged the president to use local healthcare facilities such as LUTH, the National Hospital in Abuja, UCH in Ibadan, or the highly funded Akwa Ibom hospital. “We demand that President Tinubu, champion of Nigeria First, conduct all future medical check-ups at LUTH, National Hospital Abuja, UCH Ibadan, or even the #41 billion Naira Akwa Ibom world-class hospital,” he said.

Atiku ended his critique by emphasizing the need for genuine leadership. “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.