The Federal Government has stepped up efforts to stop the importation of substandard vehicles with the launch of the SON–NADDC Vehicle Conformity Assessment Programme (VehCAP).
The initiative, unveiled on March 31, 2026, at the Transcorp Hilton in Abuja, is a joint project of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC). It is designed to ensure that only vehicles that meet safety and quality standards are brought into the country.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ sensitisation workshop, SON Director-General, Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwunonso Okeke, said the programme marks a shift from reactive enforcement to a preventive system that prioritises quality checks before vehicles enter Nigeria.
He explained that VehCAP introduces compliance verification at the early stages of the import process, ensuring that vehicles and spare parts meet required standards before shipment. According to him, the initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic reform agenda.
Okeke warned that the continued influx of substandard vehicles poses serious risks, including threats to road safety, consumer protection, and public confidence. He said the new programme would tackle these challenges through a more structured and transparent regulatory approach, reducing dependence on checks after entry.
In his remarks, NADDC Director-General, Joseph Osanipin, described VehCAP as a strategic move to address long-standing challenges in Nigeria’s automotive sector.
He noted that many imported vehicles, especially used ones, often enter the country without proper checks on safety, emissions, or operational history, contributing to accidents and environmental hazards.
Osanipin said the programme introduces mandatory pre-shipment inspection and certification, shifting the focus from post-arrival inspections to pre-entry verification. This, he added, would help block substandard vehicles from entering the Nigerian market while reducing economic and safety risks.
He also highlighted that VehCAP would improve regulatory efficiency, encourage fair competition, and support the growth of a globally competitive automotive industry.
Both SON and NADDC emphasised the need for strong collaboration among government agencies involved in trade, enforcement, and market monitoring to ensure the programme’s success.
Stakeholders at the workshop expressed confidence that the initiative would enhance vehicle safety standards, protect consumers, and strengthen Nigeria’s commitment to quality assurance and sustainable economic development.
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