By Femi Oyelola, Kaduna
Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, has pledged to push for increased government patronage of locally assembled vehicles as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s automobile industry, create jobs and stimulate economic growth.
Sani made the commitment during the unveiling of the 2026 Peugeot 5008 at the Dangote Peugeot Automobiles Nigeria Limited (D-PAN) factory in Kaduna.
The governor said he would present a memorandum at the National Economic Council (NEC) urging the Federal Government and state governments to prioritise locally assembled vehicles, including those produced by D-PAN.
He commended the Chairman of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, for what he described as his patriotism and sustained investment in Nigeria’s economy.
“D-PAN has created jobs in Kaduna State, addressed some skill gaps and boosted the local economy of the factory’s immediate environment and Kaduna State as a whole,” Sani said.
According to the governor, sustained government patronage is critical to the survival and expansion of local manufacturing companies.
“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,” he said.
Sani also disclosed that the Kaduna State Government would purchase some of the vehicles as part of efforts to lead by example and demonstrate confidence in locally assembled automobiles.
“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.
Kaduna Seeks Jobs for Vocational Graduates
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting D-PAN, noting that Kaduna State has a shareholding interest in the company and intends to deepen its partnership with the automobile manufacturer.
He also urged the company to consider employing graduates of the Kaduna State Institute of Vocational and Skills Development, who recently completed intensive training conducted in partnership with the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE).
“They have gone through intensive training. We want D-PAN to absorb some of them,” Sani said.
The governor further commended D-PAN for its corporate social responsibility initiatives and encouraged the company to expand its support for communities hosting its operations.
“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,” he said.
The unveiling of the 2026 Peugeot 5008 highlights efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s local automobile assembly industry while positioning Kaduna State as a growing centre for manufacturing, investment and skills development.
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