Nigeria's "Nigeria First" Policy Challenged by Foreign Deal

The "Nigeria First" policy is under scrutiny as the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy (FMCIDE) engages in a partnership with Hello CV, a foreign domain host, to promote Cape Verde's country code top-level domain (ccTLD). This agreement, announced by Minister Dr.

Bosun Tijani, involves a $10 million partnership to provide 20,000 fellows access to a package valued at $500 each, including AI-powered job search tools and professional CV writing services. Stakeholders express concern that utilizing a foreign domain contravenes the Nigeria First policy, which mandates prioritizing local production and services to reduce dependency on foreign goods.

The Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NIRA), which manages Nigeria's ccTLD, argues that the agreement undermines Nigeria's digital identity. The FMCIDE's agenda, established on May 5, 2025, aims to stimulate domestic industries and create jobs, yet critics note a growing distrust in the government's commitment to this policy.