By Mustapha Saye, Kaduna
Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, has pledged to make a strong presentation at the National Economic Council (NEC) to encourage Federal and State Governments to patronise vehicles manufactured by Dangote Peugeot Automobile Nigeria (D-PAN) Limited.
Governor Uba Sani made the pledge on Friday while unveiling the new Peugeot 5008, 2026 model, at the D-PAN factory premises in Kaduna.
The Governor commended Alhaji Aliko Dangote for his continued investment in Nigeria, describing the establishment of D-PAN as a significant contribution to the development of the automobile industry and the Nigerian economy.
He said the company had created employment opportunities, helped address skills gaps and contributed to the growth of the local economy in its host community and Kaduna State.
“I will make a strong presentation at the National Economic Council, urging both the Federal and State Governments to patronise the products of this company because that is the only way they can survive,” Governor Sani said.
He further disclosed that the Kaduna State Government would procure some of the vehicles from D-PAN to demonstrate its commitment to supporting locally manufactured products.
“As a government, Kaduna State will order some of the vehicles so that we can show the example for others to follow by patronising this very important company,” he added.
Governor Sani also assured D-PAN of the state government’s continued support, noting that Kaduna State has a shareholding in the company. He pledged to strengthen the partnership between the state and the automobile manufacturer.
The Governor also urged D-PAN management to consider employing graduates of the Kaduna State Institute of Vocational and Skills Development who recently completed intensive technical training in partnership with the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE).
He said engaging the newly trained graduates would provide them with opportunities to apply their skills while contributing to the growth of the automobile industry.
Governor Sani further commended D-PAN for its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, particularly its support for communities within its area of operation.
He, however, urged the company to do more in supporting its host communities, stressing that sustained community engagement and development interventions were essential to maintaining the existing peaceful relationship.
“The host community and D-PAN are coexisting peacefully, and the only way that we can maintain this harmony is by giving adequate support to them,” the Governor observed.
The Governor’s visit and unveiling of the Peugeot 5008 2026 model underscore the Kaduna State Government’s renewed push for local manufacturing, job creation, skills development and increased patronage of Nigerian-made products.
