President Muhammadu Buhari has signed Executive Order 5, a strategic move that is geared towards improving local content in public procurement with science, engineering and technology components.
The Executive Order is expected to promote the application of science, technology, and innovation towards achieving the nation’s development goals across all sectors of the economy.
The Nigerian president ordered that all ‘‘procuring authorities shall give preference to Nigerian companies and firms in the award of contracts, in line with the Public Procurement Act 2007.’’
In the proclamation entitled ‘‘Presidential executive order 5 for planning and execution of projects, promotion of Nigerian content in contracts and science, engineering and technology.”
The president also directed Ministries, Departments, and Agencies to engage indigenous professionals in the planning, design, and execution of national security projects.
It adds that ‘‘consideration shall only be given to a foreign professional, where it is certified by the appropriate authority that such expertise is not available in Nigeria.’’
The Executive Order also prohibits the Ministry of Interior from giving visas to foreign workers whose skills are readily available in Nigeria.
However, notes that where expertise is lacking, procuring entities will give preference to foreign companies and firms with a demonstrable and verifiable plan for indigenous development, prior to the award of such contracts.