Nigeria has enforced an immediate restriction on the importation of uncertified used vehicles, requiring mandatory pre-shipment certification for all automotive units entering the country. The measure, announced by federal authorities, establishes a uniform compliance framework for vehicle imports and aims to align incoming shipments with national safety and regulatory standards.
Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment John Enoh confirmed the directive during a policy forum hosted by the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC). The regulation operates under the Standard Organisation of Nigeria–NADDC Vehicle Conformity Assessment Programme. Under this structure, all vehicles must obtain a valid conformity certificate before departure from their origin country, regardless of manufacturing date or vehicle classification.
Enoh emphasized that the updated guidelines enforce a strict compliance threshold across all stages of the import process. “No vehicle or automotive product shall be imported, cleared, registered, or licensed without valid certification,” he stated. Customs officials and port authorities will verify documentation prior to cargo release. Any shipment lacking approved certification will be denied entry, subject to seizure, or penalized according to established trade regulations. The directive takes effect immediately upon deployment at designated entry points.
Nigeria has historically relied on imported vehicles to meet domestic transportation demand, with a significant volume arriving through major sea ports. The new conformity assessment framework replaces decentralized inspection practices with a standardized verification system. By requiring documented compliance before goods arrive, regulators intend to reduce administrative bottlenecks at borders, improve supply chain traceability, and ensure that only vehicles meeting documented safety and emission thresholds are permitted for domestic use.
Trade operators, shipping firms, and vehicle dealers must now adjust procurement documentation to incorporate the mandatory pre-shipment process. Regulatory agencies will distribute operational guidelines to streamline compliance across logistics and retail channels. The standardized verification system seeks to strengthen quality control within Nigeria’s automotive market while supporting broader initiatives to formalize vehicle maintenance standards, consumer protection, and long-term sector development.
