The Federal Government has intensified efforts to curb the influx of substandard vehicles into the country with the launch of the SON–NADDC Vehicle Conformity Assessment Programme (VehCAP).

The initiative, unveiled on March 31, 2026, at Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, is a joint effort between the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC). It is aimed at ensuring that only safe and compliant vehicles are imported into the Nigerian market.

Speaking at a Government Agencies’ Stakeholders’ Sensitisation Workshop, the Director-General of SON, Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwunonso Okeke, said the programme signals a shift from reactive enforcement to a preventive regulatory system focused on quality assurance at the point of entry.

He explained that the VehCAP framework introduces early-stage compliance checks within the import value chain, ensuring that vehicles and automotive components meet prescribed standards before shipment. According to him, the move aligns with the economic reform agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Okeke noted that the continued influx of substandard products poses risks beyond technical deficiencies, affecting road safety, consumer protection, and public confidence. He added that VehCAP would address these concerns through a more structured regulatory approach that promotes transparency and reduces reliance on post-entry enforcement.

In his welcome address, the Director-General of NADDC, Joseph Osanipin, described the programme as a strategic intervention designed to close longstanding gaps in Nigeria’s automotive sector.

He observed that many imported vehicles—particularly used ones—enter the country without proper verification of safety conditions, emissions compliance, or operational history, contributing to road accidents and environmental risks.

Osanipin explained that VehCAP introduces mandatory pre-shipment inspection and certification, effectively shifting the system from post-arrival checks to pre-entry verification. He said this would prevent substandard vehicles from entering the country while reducing associated economic and safety costs.

He added that the programme would enhance regulatory efficiency, promote fair competition, and support the development of a globally competitive automotive industry.

Both agencies stressed that the success of the initiative would depend on strong collaboration among Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), particularly those involved in trade facilitation, enforcement, and market surveillance. They urged stakeholders to align their processes to ensure effective implementation.

The workshop also provided a platform for stakeholders to clarify roles, strengthen inter-agency cooperation, and discuss strategies for the programme’s rollout.

Participants expressed confidence that VehCAP would improve vehicle safety standards, protect consumers, and reinforce Nigeria’s commitment to quality assurance and sustainable economic development.