Nigeria bans import of uncertified vehicles to boost road safety
The Federal Government has introduced a new policy that bars the importation of vehicles into Nigeria without prior certification. John Enoh, the Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, emphasized that this is now a full government policy, not a pilot scheme. The initiative aims to address the influx of substandard vehicles, improve road safety, and protect consumers. Multiple government agencies will be involved in enforcing the new rules for all new and used vehicles entering the country.
What we know
- The new policy requires all imported vehicles to obtain pre-shipment certification before they can be processed for entry into Nigeria.
- John Enoh stated that vehicles without valid certification will be denied entry, clearance, registration, or licensing.
- The programme will involve agencies including the Nigeria Customs Service, Central Bank of Nigeria, Federal Road Safety Corps, and the Nigerian Ports Authority.
- The initiative is designed to address rising road accidents linked to substandard vehicles and aligns with the industrialisation agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
- Officials stress that the policy should be seen as a necessary measure to save lives and strengthen the economy, not as an additional burden.
