Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has knocked President Bola Tinubu’s newly approved ‘Nigeria First’ policy, describing it as a hollow public relations stunt with no real commitment from the top.
In a statement released on Tuesday by his Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku challenged Tinubu to demonstrate genuine patriotism by swapping his luxurious Cadillac Escalade for a made-in-Nigeria vehicle such as Innoson or Nord.
On May 5, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved the ‘Nigeria First’ policy, which mandates the prioritisation of locally manufactured goods and services in government procurement processes.
The government says the move is aimed at boosting local production and economic sustainability.
But Atiku, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, dismissed the initiative as “another tired PR stunt — designed to deceive, not deliver.”
“If this government is truly serious about local content and economic patriotism, it must start at the very top,” he said. “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.”
Atiku further accused members of Tinubu’s cabinet of hypocrisy, urging them to “walk the talk” and abandon their foreign luxury vehicles for Nigerian-made alternatives.
“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.
The former vice-president also criticised what he called Tinubu’s “double standard” on patriotism, particularly the president’s penchant for foreign holidays and medical trips abroad.
“If he’s serious about patriotism, his next vacation should be at Obudu Cattle Ranch, Yankari Game Reserve, or Erin Ijesha Waterfalls,” the statement read. “More importantly, the era of jetting off for medical tourism while preaching self-reliance must end.”
He insisted that Tinubu must begin using Nigerian hospitals for his medical needs if he truly believes in the nation’s healthcare system.
“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 Akwa Ibom world-class hospital built by the ‘uncommon transformer’, in Uyo,” he said.
Atiku concluded by accusing the Tinubu administration of indulging in foreign luxuries while demanding sacrifices from struggling Nigerians, branding the move as “the height of insincerity”.
“True leadership isn’t photo-ops or soundbites — it’s setting the tone by example,” the statement added.
His comments come just days after Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South, backed the federal government’s import ban on goods that can be produced locally, hailing it as a “bold initiative” that could revitalise the local economy.
The ‘Nigeria First’ policy has sparked widespread debate, with critics and supporters alike weighing in on the government’s sincerity and readiness to implement the initiative across board.
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