The Federal Government has introduced a sweeping regulatory framework that fundamentally changes vehicle importation into Nigeria, making certification a compulsory gateway for licensing and market entry.
Under the newly implemented Standard Organisation of Nigeria–National Automotive Design and Development Council Vehicle Conformity Assessment Programme (SON–NADDC VehCAP), all imported vehicles must now obtain pre-shipment certification before they can enter the country.
The Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, John Enoh, announced that the policy has taken immediate effect, stressing that it is no longer a pilot initiative but a full government directive.
At the core of the reform is a strict compliance chain that integrates certification into every stage of the importation and licensing process. Importers are now required to secure VehCAP certification before accessing Form M approval, foreign exchange through the Central Bank of Nigeria, customs valuation by the Nigeria Customs Service, port processing, and final clearance.
Crucially, the new framework extends beyond importation to vehicle registration and licensing. Authorities have made it clear that no vehicle will be cleared, registered, or licensed without valid certification, effectively blocking non-compliant vehicles from Nigeria’s roads.
The programme is being implemented through a multi-agency collaboration involving the Standard Organisation of Nigeria, National Automotive Design and Development Council, Federal Road Safety Corps, and Nigerian Ports Authority.
Officials say the policy is designed to curb the influx of substandard vehicles and improve road safety outcomes. Vehicles that fail to meet the required standards will face denial of entry, seizure, or regulatory sanctions.
Despite growing calls to ban used vehicles, popularly known as “Tokunbo,” the government signaled a more measured approach. It acknowledged economic realities such as consumer purchasing power and limited local production capacity, opting instead to enforce stricter compliance with existing rules, including age limits on imported vehicles.
For industry players, the implications are significant. Importers must now align with stricter documentation and certification requirements, while dealers and end-users will face a more regulated licensing environment.
The policy marks a shift toward a compliance-driven automotive market, where certification is no longer optional but a prerequisite for importation, registration, and legal operation in Nigeria.
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