The Federal Government is ramping up efforts to slash Nigeria’s dependence on imported used vehicles, signaling a bold push to revive local automobile production, improve vehicle standards, and strengthen the nation’s industrial base.
Speaking at the 18th edition of the Nigeria Auto Journalists Association (NAJA) International Auto Awards in Lagos, the Director-General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Otunba Oluwemimo Joseph Osanipin, said government strategies are now deliberately focused on curbing the influx of second-hand vehicles.
Osanipin explained that NADDC, in collaboration with key industry stakeholders, is tightening entry standards to ensure only quality vehicles enter Nigeria, while gradually phasing out used imports in favour of locally assembled and manufactured alternatives.
Central to this plan is the long-awaited National Auto Industry Development Policy (NAIDP), which the council is pushing to have passed into law by the second quarter of 2026. “We are committed to strengthening local manufacturing in Nigeria. Our major target is to see the Auto Policy enacted by mid-2026. We will submit it to the National Assembly soon and ensure extensive stakeholder engagement during the public hearing process,” he stated.
The campaign against used vehicle imports is further reinforced by the End-of-Life Vehicle (ELV) Recycling Regulation introduced in March 2025. The regulation aims to formalize vehicle recycling, promote a circular economy, enhance environmental protection, boost road safety, and create new employment opportunities.
©Copyright MOTORING WORLD INTERNATIONAL
All rights reserved. Materials, photographs, illustrations and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior written permission from Motoring World International
Contact: editor.motoringworldng@gmail.com
