FG to demand roadworthiness certificates on imported used vehicles

•Says automakers now buying made-in-Nigeria parts
The National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) said the Federal Government would soon start demanding roadworthiness certificates on imported used vehicles (tokunbo) before allowing them into Nigeria.

This comes even as the council said original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) are beginning to buy components produced in Nigeria.

Director General, NADDC, Joseph Osanipin, disclosed these in Lagos at the 10th Nigeria Transport Lecture with the theme ‘Transportation Safety in Nigeria: The way forward’ organised by Transport Day Media.

He spoke through the Director of Policy Planning and Logistics NADDC, Musa Sani.
Osanipin said automakers are patronising Nigeria-produced components because the products conform with international standards.

This, according to him, is achieved through the NADDC’s quality components production initiative in collaboration with the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON).

He said: “The National Automotive Design and Development Council in collaboration with the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has within the last seven years adopted/adapted about 130 international automotive standards for safety and other parts.

“NADDC collaborates with stakeholders to develop a National Automotive Testing and Homologation Scheme to ensure vehicles meet safety requirements before they hit the road.

“SONCAP for Imported Vehicles: At our request, the SON planned to start implementing SONCAP on imported vehicles by requiring that all used vehicles imported into Nigeria have a roadworthiness certificate from their country of origin.”

Osanipin said local assembly plants and content manufacturers were being encouraged and assisted to produce good quality items and obtain ISO 9001 QMS certification.
He condemned the use of imported used tyres and substandard auto spare parts in the country, causing avoidable fatal accidents and discouraging investments in that sector.

Apart from tyres, he listed components being faked as bearings, wheels, engine hoods, brake discs and pads, windscreens, fan belts and shock absorbers.

He said: “Substandard automotive spare parts in motor vehicles often function improperly or fail prematurely causing damage or drastic loss of efficiency to the affected vehicle.

“The implication of the failure of such substandard safety parts in vehicles is often very severe, leading in some cases to road crashes that could cause loss of lives.”

On the issue of roadworthiness certificates for imported used vehicles, the NADDC boss said it was part of efforts to sanitise the system and grow the nation’s automotive industry.
Osanipin said the SONCAP principle would be deployed in this direction.

“At our request, the SON planned to start implementing SONCAP on imported vehicles by requiring that all used vehicles imported into Nigeria have a roadworthiness certificate from their country of origin,” he stated.