The President has signed Executive Order 5 which is to boost local content in public acquiring of science, technology and engineering. The Order which was signed on Monday is aimed at achieving national development across all sectors operating in the country.
A key clause in the Order is the provision which categorically disallows the Ministry of Interior to grant visas to foreign workers to undertake jobs when skilled Nigerians are in the country and are accessible.
“Procuring authorities shall give preference to Nigerian companies and firms in the award of contracts in line with the Public Procurement Act 2007.” read the Executive Order document containing the excerpt.
The Order stated that where such expertise is not available among the people of Nigeria, then procuring agencies can appoint foreigner companies to perform such duties. Only foreign companies with a long-term goal of developing the local workforce will be considered for the award of contracts as stipulated in the order.
The Executive order instructed Ministries, Departments and Agencies to employ Nigerian professionals to plan, design and execute projects bordering on national security. The effect of this order is the end of Nigerians being shortchanged in their own country where there are indigenous and skilled professionals capable of advancing the nation with their expertise.