Governor Uba Sani has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting Dangote Peugeot Automobiles Nigeria Limited, DPAN, describing Kaduna State as one of Nigeria’s most investment-friendly destinations.
The governor made the pledge when the management of DPAN paid him a courtesy visit, noting that Kaduna ranks second among subnational governments in Nigeria on the Ease of Doing Business index.
He said his administration would continue to back the automobile firm, citing its strategic role in job creation and poverty reduction, as well as the state government’s equity stake in the company.
“As of today, we hold about 11.7 per cent equity in Dangote Peugeot Automobiles Nigeria Limited, and that is why, as a government, we will do everything possible to ensure the success of this very important initiative,” he said.
Mr Sani added that Kaduna, as the host state, has already benefited significantly from the company’s operations, with about 1,000 direct jobs created and many more indirect employment opportunities generated.
He reiterated that Kaduna’s favourable business environment continues to attract investors. “Kaduna State is ranked second in Ease of Doing Business in Nigeria, and that is why virtually every investor wants to invest in the state,” he said.
The governor also highlighted ongoing investments in transport infrastructure, including what he described as the largest ultramodern bus terminal in Nigeria. According to him, one terminal has been completed, while another is about 95 per cent ready.
“In the next two months, we will invite you for the groundbreaking of our Bus Rapid Transit system, which will be the second outside Lagos,” he added.
Mr Sani further disclosed that Kaduna has attracted about $3.5 billion in local and foreign investments, with $743 million already realised and $2.76 billion in the pipeline.
Earlier, the Managing Director of DPAN, Ibrahim Issa Gachi, urged the state government to prioritise the use of locally assembled vehicles in its official fleet and public service operations.
He also called on the governor to champion the adoption of DPAN vehicles across other states and support strategic collaborations on mass transit and mobility initiatives using the company’s range of vehicles.
Gachi revealed that the company plans to expand its footprint in Nigeria by introducing additional brands, including Citroën, Fiat and Leapmotor by 2027.
According to him, the expanded portfolio will cover a wide range of mobility solutions, from saloon cars and SUVs to intercity and intracity buses, as well as micromobility options.
He added that the lineup would include petrol, diesel and compressed natural gas-powered engines, alongside fully electric vehicles and Range-Extended Electric Vehicles, REEVs, which combine electric propulsion with a small internal combustion engine used solely to recharge the battery.
The DPAN boss also invited the governor to formally unveil the 2026 Peugeot models at the company’s facility within the next four weeks.
