By Moses Akaigwe ”This is more than an economic policy. It is a call to national consciousness. Supporting made-in-Nigeria vehicles is a step towards building the Nigeria we all aspire to: Prosperous, self-sufficient and proud of its own.” The foregoing was how the management of Dangote Peugeot Nigeria Limited (DPAN), Kaduna, reacted to the Renewed Hope ‘Nigeria First’ policy announced recently by the Federal Government, which is aimed at galvanizing patronage of locally made products and strengthening the domestic economy. A joint statement by the Managing Director, Engr. Ibrahim I. Gachi, and the Chief Commercial Officer, Umar Isa-Kaita, said the initiative by the Federal Government was encouraging, and appealed to all Nigerians to take a cue from the policy and patronise only vehicles produced in Nigeria. According to the DPAN helmsmen, the benefits to the automotive industry and the economy generally are enormous, including increase in installed capacity utilisation, stronger industrial performance, more jobs and a more resilient economy, among others The Federal Executive Council (FEC) had after its meeting presided over by President Tinubu on Monday, May 5, 2025, enunciated the policy, directing the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) to ensure strict compliance by ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs). The Bureau can, however, grant permission for patronage of an imported product or service only where there are no locally available alternatives. Applauding the initiative on Friday, Gachi and Isa-Kaita stated: “We wholeheartedly commend the Federal Government of Nigeria for their timely and strategic commitment to the Nigeria First policy, which prioritizes the patronage of locally made goods. “This renewed focus on encouraging Nigerians to buy, and support made-in-Nigeria products and services is both welcome and essential, particularly in the automotive sector.” To them, it is a clarion call to patriotic duty: “It is more than an economic policy. It is a call to national consciousness. Supporting made-in-Nigeria vehicles is a step towards building the Nigeria we all aspire to: Prosperous, self-sufficient, and proud of its own.”” The statement, however, urged the government to ensure that “this important initiative be implemented decisively and transparently. Beyond supporting local manufacturers, this policy must also address the wider issue of vehicle importation, particularly the dumping of used cars into our market without adequate regulation.” Their expectation is that the initiative will bring relief to Nigeria’s vehicle assembly industry, which has been facing significant hurdles over the years — from high operational costs and limited infrastructure, to inconsistent policy implementation. Despite these challenges, Dangote Peugeot and other local auto manufacturers have continued to invest in building capacity, creating jobs, and contributing to national development, the manufacturers remarked. That is why the DPAN management is urging the government to back the new policy with practical support, such as incentives for local manufacturers, improved infrastructure, and a regulatory environment that encourages fair competition. For the impact of the laudable Nigeria First policy to be felt in the automotive manufacturing industry, they further appealed to the Federal Government to address the menace of unchecked importation of vehicles, especially by individuals and entities with no investment in the local economy. Theur explanation is that, if not addressed, the unrestrained importation of fully built vehicles into the country will continue to create unfair competition that undermines the investments by local auto plants and their efforts to stay afloat. “These “briefcase importers” flood the market with vehicles—many of them used and often of questionable quality—without contributing to the nation’s industrial base or generating employment. This practice not only discourages local production but also weakens our drive toward economic self-reliance,” the DPAN statement lamented “We are encouraged by the Federal Government’s policy direction and urge that this important initiative be implemented decisively and transparently.” With a modern assembly plant located in Kaduna, Dangote Peugeot Automobiles Nigeria Limited, is the sole manufacturer and distributor of Peugeot vehicles in Nigeria.. Apart from the roll-out of its first vehicle – the Peugeot 301 – in 2021, the plant has has expanded its product line-up to include Labdtrek, the brand’s first pick-up truck; the 3008, the popular, stylish mid-size SUV; and the 5008 (a large, seven-seater SUV).