Calls are growing for the Federal Government to make the Lagos Airport perimeter fencing project a showcase of its “Nigeria First” policy by sourcing materials from capable local manufacturers in line with executive orders on local content.
MAN’s Director General, Segun Ajayi-Kadir, stressed that the association is not attempting to influence the contract award but is appealing for procurement decisions that place national interest above foreign patronage. He explained that prioritising local firms would help create jobs, ease pressure on foreign exchange, boost tax revenues, and strengthen Nigeria’s industrial base.
Ajayi-Kadir maintained that Nigerian companies have the expertise and facilities to produce Clear Vu fencing materials of international quality, insisting that indigenous manufacturers should not be sidelined in favour of foreign suppliers.
“The Nigeria First Policy, reaffirmed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has renewed confidence among domestic manufacturers. It builds on Executive Orders, which mandate government ministries and agencies to give preference to locally produced goods and services,” he noted.
While commending ongoing government efforts to upgrade infrastructure, the MAN chief warned that resorting to imports for the Lagos Airport project would undermine stated policies and deny the economy vital benefits such as youth employment, foreign exchange savings, and stronger national security through self-reliance.
He pointed out that in previous projects, Nigerian producers were overlooked despite MAN’s advocacy, with imported fencing materials supplied instead a development he described as discouraging to the nation’s industrial sector.
“This project presents a chance to correct past missteps and to prove that the Nigeria First Policy is more than a slogan. It should be demonstrated through consistent implementation,” Ajayi-Kadir said.
Reaffirming the association’s readiness to work with government in driving inclusive growth, he concluded by urging that the Lagos Airport fencing materials be sourced strictly from capable Nigerian manufacturers.
