By Felix Khanoba
The Federal Government has unveiled a sweeping regulatory regime mandating that all vehicles imported into Nigeria must be certified before entry, in a decisive move to enhance road safety and eliminate substandard automobiles from the nation’s roads.
The Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, John Enoh, announced the policy at a stakeholders’ sensitisation workshop in Abuja, declaring that the initiative, known as the Standards Organisation of Nigeria–National Automotive Design and Development Council Vehicle Conformity Assessment Programme (VehCAP), is now a full government policy.
“I want to clarify again that this is not a proposal or a pilot. This has become government policy and takes immediate effect upon commencement,” Enoh said.
Under the new framework, the government has adopted a strict “no certification, no entry” rule, requiring all new and used vehicles to obtain pre-shipment certification before they can be imported into the country.
The minister explained that the certification would be a prerequisite at every stage of the importation process.
“All new and used vehicles and automotive products entering Nigeria must obtain pre-shipment certification on that VehCAP before Form M approval, before customs valuation, before port processing, before import clearance, and before market entry,” he stated.
He warned that any vehicle failing to meet the requirements would be denied entry and face strict penalties.
“No vehicle or automotive product shall be imported, cleared, registered or licensed without valid certification. Any non-compliant import shall be subject to refusal of clearance, seizure, or sanctions under applicable laws,” he added.
The minister linked the policy to growing concerns over road safety, noting that substandard vehicles have contributed significantly to fatal accidents across the country.
“We did not arrive here by accident. Too many Nigerians have died from accidents caused by vehicles that fell short of required standards. Nigeria deserves better, and this government is determined to deliver better,” he said.
While acknowledging concerns about the possible impact on the importation of used vehicles, popularly known as “Tokunbo,” Enoh advocated a balanced approach.
“I think that without taking an extreme position, we must find a middle ground… at the very minimum, if we adhere strictly to existing regulations, such as limits on the age of imported vehicles, our problem will not be nearly as bad as it is,” he noted.
He emphasised that the policy is not intended to burden citizens but to protect lives and strengthen the economy.
“This should not be seen as a burden, but as a corrective measure… we must act in unison to protect the Nigerian people,” he urged.
The minister further disclosed that multiple agencies, including the Nigeria Customs Service, Central Bank of Nigeria, Federal Road Safety Corps, and state governments, will play critical roles in enforcing compliance, ensuring that only certified vehicles are financed, cleared, registered, and allowed on Nigerian roads.
Earlier, the Director-General of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwunonso Okeke, described VehCAP as a major step toward strengthening regulatory oversight and restoring confidence in the automotive sector.
According to him, the initiative represents a shift to a more proactive and structured system that prevents substandard products from entering the market.
“The programme introduces a more structured, preventive, and standards-driven approach. It ensures that only products that meet established requirements are allowed into circulation,” Okeke said.
He noted that the proliferation of substandard and non-compliant vehicles has had far-reaching consequences beyond technical defects, affecting road safety, consumer protection, and public trust.
“Over time, the impact of substandard and non-compliant products has extended beyond technical deficiencies to broader implications for road safety, consumer protection, and public confidence,” he stated.
Okeke explained that VehCAP, developed in collaboration with the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), would address compliance at the earliest stage of the import value chain, thereby reducing the burden of post-entry enforcement.
“At its core, the programme introduces a more disciplined process that addresses compliance at the earliest stages of the import value chain,” he said.
He added that the framework would promote transparency, support legitimate trade, and create a more predictable business environment while aligning Nigeria’s automotive standards with global best practices.
The initiative, which also enjoys legislative backing from the National Assembly, is expected to improve road safety, protect consumers, and boost investor confidence in Nigeria’s automotive industry.
Also speaking at the event, the Director-General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council, Joseph Osanipin, described the event as a game changer in the nation’s auto sector.
“VehCAP shifts our system from ‘inspect after arrival’ to ‘verify before entry.’ Once a substandard vehicle enters the country, the cost of control, both economic and human, becomes significantly higher,” he said.
While saying Nigeria boasts one of the largest automotive market in Africa, he expressed concerns on the challenges associated with the influx of poorly verified used vehicles.
“Many vehicles enter without adequate checks on safety condition, emissions performance, and lifecycle history. This has led to mechanical failures, increased accident severity, and circulation of substandard components,” Osanipin said.
On their part, the Chairman’s Senior Committee on Industry, Senator Francis Fadahunsi, and his House of Representative counterpart, Hon. Dolapo Badru, pledged all the required legislative backing essential to guarantee VehCAP’s smooth and impactful implementation.
“Whatever you may need, Mr. Minister, me and my colleague, we are here now to see who supports you,” Senator Fadahunsi said.
The AUTHORITY reports that the event with the theme, ‘Certified Automobile Product, Safer Nigerian Roads,’ attracted stakeholders from all relevant sectors.
