Kano governor recalls good old days of PAN

The executive governor of Kano State, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje says PAN Nigeria Limited is a house hold name as far as the Nigeria’s automotive sector is concerned. Governor Ganduje stated this when the management of PAN Nigeria Limited paid him a congratulatory visit at his office, over his victory and subsequent inauguration as the state governor. He noted that Kaduna (where the company is located) was synonymous to PAN; and PAN was also synonymous to Kaduna.

The Kano state chief executive who bemoaned the neglect of the company by the federal government that was supposed to rear, nurture and protect it from any harm as a ‘father’ over the years, regretted that state governments has little to do with regards to changes in the fortunes of the company, fiscal policy wise.

He expressed optimism that with the new National Automotive Development Policy (NADP), PAN Nigeria Limited will bounce back better and stronger than ever before. The governor, who expressed gratitude to the delegation for the visit, explained that his administration has embarked on financial prudence measures in the face of dwindling revenue accruing to the state.

According to him, cut in the costs of governance by his administration was as a result of the country’s present economic reality that has led to the inability of some states to pay workers’ salaries. He also thanked God for Kano State not being among such states.

He assured of  his administration’s readiness to partner PAN Nigeria Limited in terms of patronage (of cars) and in training the youths on vocational and technical skills to reduce unemployment; and therefore required that a blueprint of training from PAN Nigeria training school, be sent to him for consideration.

Earlier in his speech, the managing director, PAN Nigeria Limited, Ibrahim Boyi expressed gratitude to the governor for the warm reception accorded his team. He explained that the visit was to congratulate the governor for his well-deserved victory at the polls and hailed the good people of Kano State for making a wise and informed choice in electing a loyal, focused and thoughtful personality as their governor.

Boyi who also took time to reel out the history of PAN, its status then and now in the Nigeria’s auto market, stated that it was painful to see the company that was seen thriving as the leading indigenous auto company both in terms of sales and employment opportunities, now strives to make little sales.

The implication of which according to the him, led to its privatization and so many job cuts from the initial over4,000 workforce in the early 80s, to about three hundred now in its payroll. He called on the governor to patronise the Peugeot vehicles which are very competitive in terms of products offer and maintenance life circle.

In a similar development, the PAN Nigeria management has paid a courtesy visit to the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, at his palace in Kano. Speaking on behalf of the management, the managing director of the company, Ibrahim Boyi stressed that the purpose of their visit was to congratulate the Emir on assumption of throne.

He therefore prayed God to grant him the wisdom, good health and long life to steer the affairs of the Emirate in the right direction. In his reaction, Emir Sanusi II, thanked the management for the visit and prayed for the progress of PAN Nigeria Limited, Nigerians and Nigeria in general.