PAN management visits NADDC, wants speedy implementation of auto policy

One of the country’s leading auto plants, PAN Nigeria Limited, recently called on the director-general of National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Mr. Jelani Aliyu, to quicken the pace of development in the industry, particularly the manufacture of components in the country.
Managing director of PAN Nigeria, Alhaji Ibrahim Boyi, who made the request recently when he led a delegation of the management on a courtesy visit to the new NADDC boss, stressed the need to ensure “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 Aliyu on his recent appointment.
Other areas where he wanted Aliyu to put in some effort were the enactment of an enabling law for the NAIDP, introduction of affordable vehicle finance scheme, development of cluster parks for local components manufacturing, and the prevention of vehicle smuggling into the country.
The PAN team also made a case for the imposition of high levy on imported used vehicles, stable macro-economic environment, migration of assembly operations from semi-knocked-down to completely-knocked-down, enforcement of uniform standards and introduction of more incentives to promote local production.
Boyi described NAIDP as a “life-line,” adding: “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.”
He hinted of plans to rebuild PAN’s industrial and commercial structures and restore its status as the nation’s leading auto plant; and rapidly grow commercial vehicle business through local production of automobiles and adoption of specialised products.
Other components of the plan to boost the plant’s activities are the upgrade and expansion of after-sales service network for enhanced and standardised products support nationwide; a steady availability of genuine parts; increased local content; and continuous investment in manpower.
In his response, Aliyu assured PAN 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.