FG Enforces “No Certification, No Entry” Policy on Imported Vehicles

The Federal Government has introduced a strict “No Certification, No Entry” policy for all imported vehicles, including used (“tokunbo”) cars, as part of measures to enhance road safety and eliminate substandard automobiles from Nigerian roads.

The directive is being implemented under the Vehicle Conformity Assessment Programme (VehCAP), a regulatory framework of the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC).

Minister of State for Industry, Senator John Owan Enoh, confirmed that the policy has taken full effect, stressing that it is no longer in a trial phase. He warned that any vehicle without the required pre-shipment certification would be denied entry into the country, seized, or face sanctions.

According to the government, all vehicles must now obtain certification before shipment, which will serve as a prerequisite for import approval, customs clearance, and access into the Nigerian market.

The enforcement will be carried out by key agencies, including the Nigeria Customs Service, the Central Bank of Nigeria, and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).

The Federal Government said the initiative is aimed at reducing road accidents linked to faulty and unsafe vehicles, while also improving standards in the country’s automotive sector.

Although concerns have been raised over the potential impact on the affordability of used vehicles, particularly among low- and middle-income Nigerians, officials insist the policy is designed to strike a balance between safety and access.

The move aligns with the broader reform agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to strengthen regulatory compliance and promote safer transportation nationwide.