As part of efforts to sanitize Nigeria’s automotive market, the Federal Government has introduced a pre-shipment vehicle certification system designed to halt the influx of unsafe and substandard automobiles into the country.
Director-General of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria, SON, Dr. Ifeanyi Okeke, who disclosed this at a Stakeholders’ Sensitisation workshop in Abuja, said the SON–NADDC Vehicle Conformity Assessment Programme, VehCAP, marks a fundamental shift from reactive enforcement to preventive regulation.
Under the framework, vehicles and automotive components will now be assessed and certified for compliance with established standards before shipment to Nigeria, effectively closing the door on defective imports at the point of entry.
“The introduction of the Vehicle Conformity Assessment Programme marks a significant step in strengthening regulatory oversight within Nigeria’s automotive sector. It reflects a deliberate shift towards a more structured, preventive, and standards-driven approach,” he said.
Okeke stressed that the new framework would ensure that only vehicles and components that meet established standards are allowed into the country, tackling the persistent challenge of unsafe imports at the source.
“VehCAP introduces a more disciplined process that addresses compliance at the earliest stages of the import value chain. This approach enhances efficiency, reduces the burden of post-entry enforcement, and strengthens the overall integrity of the system,” he said.
Okeke noted that the impact of substandard automotive products goes beyond technical deficiencies, affecting road safety, consumer protection, and public confidence.
“These challenges underscore the need for a system that not only responds to infractions, but proactively ensures that only products meeting established requirements are allowed into circulation,” he added.
Also speaking, the Director-General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council, NADDC, Mr. Joseph Osanipin, warned that many imported vehicles lack proper safety and performance verification.
“A significant proportion of vehicles imported into Nigeria, particularly used vehicles, enter without adequate verification of structural integrity, safety condition, emissions performance, and lifecycle history.
“The consequences are evident: vehicles of uncertain condition are introduced into active road use, mechanical failures contribute to accident severity, and substandard components circulate within the system,” he said.
Osanipin said VehCAP would reverse the trend by making certification a compulsory condition for entry into Nigeria.
“In simple terms, VehCAP shifts our system from ‘inspect after arrival’ to ‘verify before entry. Because once a substandard vehicle enters the country, the cost of control, both economic and human, becomes significantly higher,” he said.
The NADDC boss added that the programme would not only improve safety outcomes but also support broader national priorities, including environmental sustainability, consumer protection, and industrial growth.
“This programme delivers value across multiple national priorities. It will strengthen road safety, environmental sustainability, consumer protection, and market discipline,” he said.
He emphasised that effective implementation would require strong collaboration among government agencies, particularly those involved in enforcement, trade facilitation, and procurement.
The move is expected to curb influx of unsafe vehicles, restore confidence in the automotive market, and drive a more competitive and standards-compliant industry.
