Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has criticised the ‘Nigeria First’ policy approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) under President Bola Tinubu, describing it as a public relations strategy lacking genuine commitment.
In a statement issued by Phrank Shaibu, his special assistant on public communication, Atiku argued that the policy, which seeks to prioritise locally made goods and services in government procurement, does not reflect the actions of the current administration. He accused the government of promoting economic patriotism in rhetoric while continuing to indulge in foreign luxury and preferences.
The 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) challenged Tinubu to lead by example by adopting Nigerian-made vehicles instead of imported luxury cars.
“We challenge President Tinubu to stop the noise and trade in his beloved Escalade for an Innoson, Nord or any made-in-Nigeria car,” he said.
“That single act will do more to promote local industry than a thousand policy memos.”
He also called on cabinet members to embrace the policy in their lifestyle choices, including their official vehicles and travel habits.
Atiku further criticised the president’s frequent foreign vacations and reliance on medical tourism, urging him to patronise local tourist destinations and health facilities if truly committed to the ideals of the ‘Nigeria First’ policy.
He described the administration’s stance as hypocritical, accusing it of demanding sacrifices from citizens while top officials continue to enjoy privileges that contradict the principles of self-reliance and local empowerment.
“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.
“If these hospitals are good enough for ordinary Nigerians, they should be good enough for their commander-in-chief. Anything less is sheer hypocrisy.
“This government’s addiction to foreign luxuries while demanding sacrifice from suffering Nigerians is the height of insincerity. True leadership isn’t photo-ops or soundbites, it’s setting the tone by example.”
