KADUNA UNVEILS LOCALLY ASSEMBLED PEUGEOT 5008 AS UBA SANI PUSHES NIGERIA FIRST POLICY

Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to local manufacturing and job creation following the unveiling of the 2026 Peugeot 5008 SUV assembled in Nigeria by Dangote Peugeot Automobile Nigeria Limited (DPAN).

The unveiling, held at the company’s factory in Kaduna, highlights efforts to strengthen domestic automobile production under President Bola Tinubu’s Nigeria First Policy, which encourages the patronage of locally manufactured and assembled products.

The Peugeot 5008 is among the latest vehicles assembled at the DPAN plant. The company has also introduced the new Peugeot 3008 SUV and Peugeot Landtrek pickup, expanding its range of vehicles available to Nigerian customers.

Governor Sani commended Aliko Dangote for investing in Nigeria, noting that industrial investments such as DPAN contribute to employment generation, skills development and economic growth.

He said the company had created jobs in Kaduna State, helped address technical skills gaps and stimulated economic activities around its factory.

GOVERNOR SEEKS GOVERNMENT PATRONAGE

As part of efforts to sustain local automobile production, Sani pledged to present a proposal to the National Economic Council (NEC), urging federal and state governments to patronise vehicles assembled by DPAN.

He explained that government support through procurement could help sustain local manufacturers, strengthen domestic industries and create more employment opportunities for Nigerians.

The governor also announced that the Kaduna State Government would order some vehicles from the company to demonstrate its commitment to supporting locally assembled products.

According to him, increased patronage by public institutions would help provide a sustainable market for Nigerian manufacturers and encourage further investment in the automotive sector.

FOCUS ON JOB CREATION AND SKILLS DEVELOPMENT

Sani further urged DPAN to consider employing graduates of the Kaduna State Institute of Vocational and Skills Development who had completed training in partnership with the National Board for Technical Education.

He said connecting vocational training with employment opportunities would help young Nigerians acquire practical experience and contribute to industrial development.

The governor also pledged continued support for DPAN, noting that Kaduna State has a shareholding in the company.

He emphasised that partnerships between government and private businesses remained important to expanding production, strengthening technical capacity and creating opportunities for residents.

NIGERIA FIRST POLICY AND LOCAL INDUSTRIAL GROWTH

The Nigeria First Policy seeks to encourage public institutions to prioritise Nigerian-made products, strengthen domestic industries and reduce dependence on imported goods where local production capacity exists.

In the automotive sector, increased patronage of locally assembled vehicles is expected to support manufacturers, create demand for skilled workers and encourage the development of local supply chains.

For Kaduna State, the continued operation of the DPAN factory represents an opportunity to expand industrial activity and attract further investment into automobile assembly and related services.

However, sustaining these benefits will depend on consistent production, competitive pricing, quality standards and continued consumer demand.

The unveiling of the Peugeot 5008 therefore represents more than the introduction of a new vehicle model. It also highlights the potential role of local manufacturing and government procurement in supporting Nigeria’s industrial development.

Sani’s proposed engagement with the National Economic Council is expected to advance discussions on how federal and state governments can support domestic manufacturers while ensuring value for public funds.