The Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, John Enoh, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring that all vehicles and automotive components imported into or manufactured in Nigeria meet the required safety standards under the Vehicle Conformity Assessment Programme (VehCAP).
The minister said the government was working closely with relevant regulatory agencies to ensure consistent compliance with safety standards, in order to reduce the risks associated with substandard vehicle parts and components in the country.
According to Enoh, VehCAP serves as a critical regulatory framework that not only protects consumers but also facilitates trade by providing clear, transparent, and internationally recognized requirements for vehicle and component imports and manufacturing.
He explained that the programme creates a predictable and rule-based market access system that benefits original importers, original equipment manufacturers, and local manufacturers. By setting clear standards and compliance procedures, the programme helps to ensure that only safe and certified vehicles and components enter the Nigerian market.
The minister noted that the VehCAP initiative is a structured compliance programme jointly implemented by the Standards Organisation of Nigeria and the National Automotive Design and Development Council. According to him, the collaboration aligns with the complementary mandates of both organisations and provides a unified regulatory framework for vehicle and component safety in Nigeria.
He said the partnership between the two agencies offers authoritative guidance on safety standards, certification processes, and compliance requirements for stakeholders in the automotive industry.
Industry stakeholders have long raised concerns about the influx of substandard and counterfeit vehicle parts into the Nigerian market, which has been linked to road accidents, vehicle breakdowns, and financial losses for consumers. The government believes that stricter enforcement of VehCAP will help address these challenges by ensuring that all imported and locally produced automotive products meet minimum safety and quality standards.
Enoh emphasized that the government’s broader goal is to build a safer automotive ecosystem in Nigeria while also promoting local manufacturing and investment in the sector. He said that by ensuring standardization and compliance, Nigeria can attract more investors into the automotive industry, create jobs, and reduce dependence on imported vehicles over time.
He further explained that the VehCAP framework is designed to align Nigeria’s automotive standards with international best practices, making it easier for Nigerian manufacturers and importers to participate in global trade while maintaining high safety standards domestically.
The minister reiterated that the Federal Government would continue to strengthen regulatory enforcement, improve testing and certification processes, and work with stakeholders across the automotive value chain to ensure full compliance with safety standards.
As Nigeria continues to expand its automotive industry and encourage local production, the successful implementation of VehCAP is expected to play a key role in improving road safety, protecting consumers, and creating a more structured and competitive automotive market in the country.
