By ebosele@hotmail.com
The National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), in collaboration with the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), on Tuesday launched the Vehicle Conformity Assessment Programme (VehCAP), a strategic initiative aimed at improving vehicle safety, environmental compliance, and the overall quality of vehicles entering Nigeria.
The programme is designed to address growing concerns over the importation of used vehicles without proper verification of safety, structural integrity, emissions performance, and lifecycle history—factors widely linked to road accidents, environmental hazards, and unfair competition within the automotive sector.
Speaking at the official launch in Abuja, the Minister of State for Industry at the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, John Owan Enoh, described VehCAP as a strong demonstration of collaboration between NADDC and SON. He commended the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting the initiative, noting that it aligns with broader efforts to industrialise Nigeria and protect citizens from substandard goods.
Enoh explained that the programme integrates vehicle safety into Nigeria’s wider economic policy framework, including fiscal measures, foreign exchange management, import financing, and vehicle renewal systems. He stressed that with the rollout of VehCAP, all new and used vehicles, as well as automotive products entering the country, must obtain Shipment Certification before undergoing processes such as customs valuation, port processing, import clearance, and eventual market entry.
Director-General of NADDC, Oluwemimo Joseph Osanipin, said the initiative introduces a proactive approach that ensures vehicles are inspected and certified prior to shipment into Nigeria. According to him, this marks a shift from the previous “inspect after arrival” model to a more efficient “verify before entry” system.
Osanipin added that NADDC will provide technical oversight for the programme, including vehicle classification, model verification, and alignment with national automotive policies to ensure it supports both regulation and industry growth.
Also speaking, Director-General of SON, Ifeanyi Chukwunonso Okeke, praised the Minister’s leadership in strengthening Nigeria’s industrial and regulatory systems. He noted that the policy direction reinforces the importance of quality infrastructure in national economic development.
Okeke further stated that VehCAP aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu, which prioritises economic revitalisation, industrial competitiveness, and the protection of lives. He emphasised that strengthening product standards, improving regulatory coordination, and safeguarding the market from unsafe imports remain central to achieving these goals.
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Industry, Francis Fadahunsi, and the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Isokpunwu Christopher Osaruwanwem, also pledged full support for the successful implementation of the programme, highlighting the need for strong legislative and institutional backing.
VehCAP is expected to enhance road safety, strengthen consumer protection, promote environmental sustainability, and restore market discipline by curbing the influx of substandard vehicles while encouraging compliance with established standards.
Government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies have been urged to align their procurement processes with VehCAP requirements and support its implementation through coordinated efforts.
The initiative marks a significant milestone in inter-agency collaboration between NADDC and SON, reinforcing Nigeria’s commitment to building a safer, more structured, and globally competitive automotive sector.
