The National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) says the SON/NADDC Vehicle Capacity standards for new vehicles entering Nigeria will begin implementation by August or September 2026.
The NADDC Director-General, Mr Joseph Osanipin, disclosed this on Tuesday in Lagos at the 18th Nigeria Auto Journalist International Awards 2025, organised by the Nigeria Auto Journalists Association (NAJA).
Osanipin said Nigeria already enforces the Standards Organisation of Nigeria Conformity Assessment Programme (SONCAP) on new vehicles and assembly kits imported for local vehicle assembly operations.
“We also have SONCAP, but you will ask why used vehicles, which are not as solid as new ones, do not have similar certification,” he said.
Describing the situation as an anomaly, Osanipin said verifying only new vehicles without assessing used imports posed serious safety and quality concerns within the automotive value chain.
“If new vehicles must meet international standards, what about used vehicles coming into the country?” he asked.
He said policies were being introduced to ensure that used vehicles are tested, accredited and certified before being allowed into Nigeria.
“For used vehicles, we are putting policies in place to ensure they are tested, accredited and certified before entering the country,” he said.
Osanipin noted that the measures were part of gradual steps aimed at phasing out used vehicles from the Nigerian market, admitting that the process would be difficult but necessary.
“This is what we must do to promote local assembly of new vehicles,” he added.
He acknowledged that the reforms could face resistance and called on the media to sensitise Nigerians on the long-term benefits.
“When these policies come, there will be pushback. We need the media to explain that this will improve vehicle quality on Nigerian roads,” he said.
Osanipin added that the reforms would strengthen the automotive sector, stressing that Nigeria should not continue to rely heavily on imported used vehicles.
Meanwhile, the Minister of State for Industry, Sen. John Enoh, said the National Auto Industry Development Policy would soon take effect.
Enoh, who was represented by Osanipin, said the policy would follow the Federal Executive Council’s approval of the Nigeria Industry Policy, which would serve as a framework for guiding the country’s industrial development.
“These are steps we are taking to ensure the auto sector is given priority,” he said.
Earlier, the NAJA Chairman, Mr Theodore Opara, said the awards were significant at a time of rapid global changes in the automotive industry.
He noted that technological advances, alternative energy, policy reforms and local assembly initiatives were reshaping the automotive landscape.
“Despite these challenges, we have seen resilience, creativity and strategic adaptation by industry players in Nigeria.
“Tonight, we honour brands, institutions and individuals demonstrating excellence, innovation and commitment to the development of the automotive sector,” Opara said.