…Demands Legal Backing for the Nation’s Auto Policy
[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he federal government of Nigerian has been requested to fast-track the pace of the nation’s automotive industrial development, including local components manufacturing in Nigeria.
The Managing Director of Peugeot Nigeria (PAN Nigeria Limited), Alhaji Ibrahim Boyi, made the call in Abuja on Monday, while paying a courtesy visit to Mr. Jelani Aliyu, the recently appointed Director General of National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), a federal government agency.
Alhaji Boyi stressed the urgent need for the NADDC boss to enforce “strict and rigorous implementation” of the Nigerian Automotive Industry Development Plan (NAIDP).
“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 Mr. Aliyu on his well-deserved appointment.
Other areas which he wanted Mr. Aliyu 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.
Alhaji 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 aftersales 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.
In his response, NADDC Director General, Mr. 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.
