Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, Wednesday hailed Peugeot Association of Nigeria Limited (PAN) for remaining resilient, active and still keeping to the standard of good model in automobile industry, especially in Nigeria for the past 46 years.
Mustapha gave the commendation when he received the newly reconstituted Board of Directors of PAN Nigeria Limited led by its chairman Mohammed Munir Ja’afaru, who led his board on a courtesy visit for a corporate presentation to him in his office, Abuja.
Peugeot, Nigeria’s only surviving and prospective car manufacturing firm was established in 1972, alongside others that are now either closed down or providing skeletal services
The SFG commended the company for its resolve and determination in producing good brand of vehicles and still keeping to its historical and traditional standard despite the past economic crises that forced other Assembly Plants in the country to go comatose.
The SGF however went down memory lane and bemoaned the present state of the textile industry in Kaduna, Kaduna State when it was the admiration of all.
“I feel sad about the state of the Kaduna Textile Manufacturing; it used to have thousands of many workers in its employ”. He expressed optimism that, “I believe that with good policies, those glorious days will come back again for PAN for the purpose of employment”.
He assured that government has now created an enabling environment for all forms investments to thrive in the country.
Speaking earlier, the chairman of the new board of directors of PAN, Alhaji Mohammed Munir Ja’faru said they were in the Office to make corporate presentation to SGF on their operations and areas of concern.
The PAN board chairman said PAN was incorporated as a JV between Federal Government of Nigeria and Automobile Peugeot, S.A of France.
He revealed that the automobile firm has exceeded 90, 000 cars adding that the principal activity of the assembly is on production and marketing of Peugeot brands of vehicles of varying models and capacity.
He however some of its challenges such as its expectations that government would provide necessary incentives and favourable environment for local automobiles company to thrive but did not thrived.
“PAN rapidly fell into financial difficulties, limiting its capacity to finance new initiatives aimed at sustaining its business and that Automobile Peugeot France also suspended its technical and commercial agreements with PAN, leading to the fracture of the dealership network and after sales support among others.”
“He however said the assembly’s proposition now are on provision of opportunity for Employment, Skills Acquisition, Technology Transfer, Investment and Local Components Manufacture; Modern , functional, reliable and competitive products (including armored vehicles for security) and to have reduced cost of ownership due to improved fuel efficiency and long maintenance cycles.”
In a related development, Permanent Secretary, General Services Office of the Office of the SGF , Olushegun Adekule said that no Nation is celebrated without its national symbols and that Nigerian Symbols should be used as a tool to promote its unity as the Nation is “indeed stronger together” .
The P.S said this in Abuja on Wednesday, at All Nigerian languages Stakeholders forum (HIYA).
He disclosed that the project is geared towards deepening National grass root sensitisation on how and why honour should be accorded to the National Symbol, adding that “ that the programme is also designed to enlighten Nigerian Citizens’ on their Rights, Obligations and Responsibilities; and that it will avail the citizenry opportunities for gainful employment and development of state resources through Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs).
Adekunle reiterated that the role of the OSGF is to help to domesticate the programme in all MDAs as well as with other partners.
“This office will facilitate and coordinate the project amongst the stakeholders which also include the State Governments, Local Governments, National Assembly, and Judiciary and will also serve as a bridge between the private sector and Government” he said
