PAN asks FG to fast-track Auto Industrial Development

Managing director of PAN Nigeria Limited, Ibrahim Boyi, has asked the director- general of National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Jelani Aliyu, to fast-track the pace of automotive industrial development including local components manufacturing in Nigeria.
Boyi stressed the urgent need for the NADDC boss to enforce “strict and rigorous implementation” of the Nigerian Automotive Industry Development Plan (NAIDP).
He was speaking recently in Abuja when he led the management team of PAN on a courtesy visit to the recently appointed director-general of NADDC, Jelani Aliyu.
“We are most delighted to have somebody of your pedigree, knowledge and vast experience in the auto industry being brought to head NADDC,” remarked the PAN Nigeria CEO, while congratulating Aliyu on his well-deserved appointment.
Other areas, which he wanted the NADDC boss to give necessary attention, were the enactment on NAIDP into law, introduction of affordable vehicle finance scheme, development of cluster parks for local components manufacturing, prevention of vehicle smuggling, imposition of high levy on imported used vehicles, stable macro-economic environment, migration of assembly operations from SKD to CKD, enforcement of uniform standards and introduction of additional incentives to promote local production.
Ibrahim Boyi described NAIDP as a “life-line” for all auto assembly plants in Nigeria, adding that, “Quite honestly, we would not have been able to restart our factory operations if not for the auto policy that created a new environment and tariff measures to promote local manufacturing, greater prospects for local components and parts manufacturing, significant change in the competitive environment that made locally assembled vehicles more competitive and more affordable in the market space.”
Speaking on the growth plan on PAN, he stated that the company would rebuild its industrial and commercial structures and restore its status as the nation’s leading automotive plant; rapidly grow commercial vehicle business through local production of vehicles and adoption of specialised products; upgrade and expand network of after-sales services for enhanced and standardised products support across Nigeria; ensure steady availability of genuine parts; promote drive for increased local content and invest continuously on manpower development through technical, vocational and entrepreneurial trainings.
Responding, Jelani Aliyu assured the PAN management team of his resolve to pursue with vigour the successful implementation of NAIDP for the benefit of all Nigerians and with the active involvement of all relevant industry stakeholders.
He emphasized that NADDC would continue to work very closely with PAN Nigeria and assured the stakeholders of his commitment to team up with them in moving the economy of Nigeria to great heights.

MIKE OCHONMA