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By Moses Akaigwe
The National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), in collaboration with the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), has launched the Vehicle Conformity Assessment Programme (VehCAP) aimed at sanitising the importation of used (Tokunbo) and new vehicles.
VehCAP is a strategic initiative designed to enhance vehicle safety, ensure environmental compliance, and improve the overall quality of vehicles imported into Nigeria.
The programme addresses rising concerns over the influx of used vehicles without proper verification of safety standards, structural integrity, emissions performance, and lifecycle history—key issues that contribute to road accidents, environmental risks, and unfair competition within the automotive sector.
Speaking at the official launch in Abuja on March 31, 2026, the Minister of State for Industry at the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, John Owan Enoh, described VehCAP as a strong testament to the power of inter-agency collaboration between NADDC and SON.
He expressed gratitude to the President for supporting the initiative and reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to industrialising Nigeria and protecting citizens from substandard products.
The Minister further explained that VehCAP integrates vehicle safety into Nigeria’s broader economic policy framework, encompassing fiscal measures, foreign exchange management, import financing, and vehicle renewal strategies—all aligned with national safety and standardisation goals.
Eno emphasised that under the SON–NADDC VehCAP, all new and used vehicles, as well as other automotive products entering the country, must obtain Shipment Certification before undergoing Customs valuation, port processing, import clearance, and eventual market entry.
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In his remarks, the Director-General of NADDC, Oluwemimo Joseph Osanipin, noted that VehCAP introduces a proactive inspection regime, ensuring that vehicles are assessed and certified prior to shipment to Nigeria.
He described this as a critical transition from the former “inspect-after-arrival” model to a more efficient “verify-before-entry” system.
He added that NADDC will provide technical oversight for the programme, including vehicle classification, model verification, and alignment with national automotive policies—ensuring a balance between regulatory enforcement and industry development.
Also speaking, the Director-General of SON, Ifeanyi Chukwunonso Okeke, commended the Honourable Minister’s leadership in strengthening Nigeria’s industrial and regulatory framework.
He noted that the Minister’s policy direction and sustained support for standards-driven initiatives continue to underscore the importance of quality infrastructure in driving national economic growth.
Okeke further stated that VehCAP aligns with the vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu under the Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises economic revitalisation, industrial competitiveness, and the protection of Nigerian lives. According to him, strengthening product standards, enhancing regulatory coordination, and shielding the market from unsafe and substandard imports are central to achieving this vision.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Industry, Francis Fadahunsi, and the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Isokpunwu Christopher Osaruwanwem, both reaffirmed their strong support for the successful implementation of the programme, stressing the importance of sustained legislative and institutional backing.
VehCAP is expected to significantly improve road safety, strengthen consumer protection, promote environmental sustainability, and restore market discipline by reducing the influx of substandard vehicles while encouraging compliance with established standards.
Government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) were also been urged to align their procurement processes with VehCAP requirements and support its implementation through coordinated efforts.
Overall, VehCAP represents a major milestone in inter-agency collaboration between NADDC and SON, reinforcing Nigeria’s commitment to building a safer, more structured, and globally competitive automotive sector.
