The National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), on Monday, held a historic inauguration at the SON office in Abuja, launching the Joint Project Management Committee (PMC) and Project Implementation Team (PIT) for the SON-NADDC Vehicle Conformity Assessment Programme (SON-NADDCVehCAP).
According to NADDC, this initiative marks a significant milestone in the operationalization of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between the two organizations, aimed at elevating the quality and safety standards of the Nigerian automotive industry.
Speaking at the event, NADDC Director General, Oluwemimo Joseph Osanipin expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, emphasizing its role in fostering innovation, safety, and sustainable growth within the sector. He underscored the importance of effective project management and the core mission of the joint committee to ensure the seamless execution of the projects outlined in the MOU.
Osanipin highlighted the vision for Nigeria’s automotive industry to exceed international standards, producing vehicles that are safe, reliable, and environmentally friendly. He stressed that the role of the PMC and PIT would be pivotal in realizing this vision, and encouraged all members to remain committed to the principles of integrity, transparency, and accountability throughout the implementation of the program.
In the same vein, Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwunonso Okeke, Director General of SON, also addressed the attendees, describing the inauguration as a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s pursuit of excellence in the automotive sector. Okeke emphasized the critical role of the PMC in providing strategic decision-making, governance, and oversight, while the PIT would focus on executing the SON-NADDCVehCAP and ensuring quality assurance throughout the project.
Both committees will work to operationalize the Pre-shipment Verification of Conformity (PVoC) system for vehicles entering Nigeria, with support from third-party service providers.
This initiative is expected to enhance vehicle safety, boost sector profitability, streamline regulatory frameworks, and create economic benefits for the country.
The collaboration between NADDC and SON is poised to transform Nigeria’s automotive industry by ensuring vehicles meet international safety and quality standards.
The establishment of these committees is a major step forward in attracting investment, creating jobs, and supporting economic diversification in the sector.
The successful execution of the SON-NADDCVehCAP is expected to shape the future of Nigeria’s automotive landscape, ensuring a safer, more efficient, and globally competitive industry.
