Manny Ita –
Used car importers in Nigeria have said the newly introduced Vehicle Conformity Assessment Programme (VehCAP) is unlikely to significantly increase car prices, despite tighter inspection and certification requirements.
VehCAP is a regulatory framework introduced by the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC). It is designed to ensure that all imported vehicles and auto parts meet safety and quality standards before entering the country.
The policy, which operates under the slogan “No Certification, No Entry,” requires vehicles to undergo pre-shipment inspection and certification in their country of origin before being allowed into Nigeria. It also covers key automotive components such as engines, brakes, tyres, suspension systems, and electrical parts.
Although the framework officially took effect from March 31, 2026, enforcement has not yet begun at Nigerian ports. The Nigeria Customs Service has confirmed that no operational directive has been issued to implement the system, meaning checks are not currently being enforced.
Despite concerns from some stakeholders, Lagos-based importers say the cost impact will be minimal. They argue that most importers already comply with documentation and vehicle history verification processes such as title checks and Carfax reports, meaning VehCAP mainly adds certification steps rather than introducing new financial burdens.
Industry operators note that any additional cost will likely come from certification and administrative fees, which they expect to be small compared to overall import costs.
However, some dealers warn that stricter rules could reshape the used car market by reducing the inflow of salvage and accidented vehicles, which have traditionally been a cheaper source of stock. This could gradually shift sourcing patterns toward cleaner, more expensive vehicles, especially from the United States, which remains a major supplier of imported used cars into Nigeria.
Local automotive stakeholders also believe the policy could benefit Nigeria’s auto industry in the long term by improving vehicle quality standards, boosting consumer safety, and strengthening local assembly operations.
Still, concerns remain around implementation clarity, coordination between agencies like SON, NADDC, and Customs, and the risk of bureaucratic delays if enforcement is not properly structured or digitized.
Overall, while VehCAP is expected to tighten regulation in Nigeria’s automotive sector, importers maintain that it is unlikely to cause a sharp rise in car prices in the short term, with any adjustments expected to be gradual and compliance-driven rather than market-disruptive.
