As part of efforts to drive
the nascent national automobile industry initiative, Dana Motors limited, has
signed an agreement with Kia Motors Corporation of South Korea, to establish an
assembly plant in Nigeria.
Dana Motors, which is the sole distributor of Kia motor in
Nigeria, said it was part of its commitment to the development of the auto
policy in Nigeria.
According to the auto firm, the choice of the firm was not
out of place considering its technical know-how and world class facility.
Dana said the Korean auto giant would provide the technical know-how for plant,
machinery and assembly of the vehicles, restructuring its existing short term
obligation to align with investment done in long term assets.
The Auto policy forms part of the
agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan’s Nigeria Industrial Revolution Plan
and the National Enterprise Development programme. The President’s plan is
commendable and fully supported by Dana Motors and KIA, as it is setting the
stage for a new era of industrial, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises
development in the country intended to transform the nation’s industrial
landscape, leading to an increase in skills development, job creation and
conserve foreign exchange.
The Auto Policy, which has
been promoted by the Ministry of trade and investment under the leadership of
Dr. Olusegun Aganga, will accordingly fast-track industrialization,
accelerate inclusive economic growth, transform Nigeria’s business environment
stopping the drain foreign reserves by importing and start production and
assembly locally.
Dana
Management team led by Mr. Jacky Hathiramani (MD/CEO) and KMC official Mr.
Homer Kim leading the delegation of officials from South Korea were present at
the ceremony to sign the document in the presence of Director of policy and
planning Luqman Mamudu for the National Automotive Council (NAC) representing
the DG.
The Director NAC, commended Dana Motors for
taking a bold step to establish a Motor vehicle assembly plant which will
create significant good quality employment and a wide range of technologically
advanced manufacturing opportunities. Dana Motors CEO in his response said that
Dana Motors aims to set an example for others to follow, with state of the art
systems, technology and logistics applied to the assembly plant. He further
communicated that the project has been planned to have minimal adverse effect
on the health and safety of the workers.
“Dana
Motors aims to surpass customers expectations and with the growing population
of KIA cars across Nigeria there is a need to better support for maintenance by
upgrading facility and investing in people thereby creating jobs, increasing
skills and ultimately producing cost effective vehicles and also to promote the
development of the automobile sector and drive the components parts requirement
of international standard at competitive prices” concluded Mr. Hathiramani.
By Adeniyi Idowu Adunola
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