April 07, (THEWILL) — Nigeria has officially delayed the implementation of the Vehicle Conformity Assessment Programme (VehCAP) policy, to allow implementing agencies and stakeholders to refine modalities for a seamless rollout expected to be in August.
Minister of State for Industry at the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, John Owan Enoh, disclosed the development exclusively to THEWILL on Tuesday, stating that the delay is intended to allow for comprehensive engagement with all affected parties.
According to the minister, the temporary postponement of the policy which had taken effect on April 1, 2026, is aimed at addressing concerns raised by importers, freight forwarders, and other stakeholders regarding the policy’s implementation framework
He, however, assured that the delay is not a reversal of the policy, noting that the government remains committed to its objectives of improving standards and ensuring the importation of quality vehicles into the country.
“The policy is being delayed to allow for engagement on implementation with all stakeholders,” Enoh said, adding that “the policy implementation should take full effect by August 2026.”
The VehCAP policy mandates that all vehicles imported into Nigeria must undergo conformity assessment and certification in their country of origin before shipment, a requirement designed to improve safety standards and prevent the influx of substandard vehicles into the domestic market.
Despite its objectives, the policy has faced stiff opposition from importers, clearing agents, and other operators, who argue that it could significantly increase the cost of vehicle importation and introduce new layers of bureaucracy into the system.
Stakeholders have also raised concerns about potential conflicts with the Federal Government’s trade facilitation initiatives, particularly the National Single Window platform, warning that the additional compliance requirements could complicate processes rather than streamline them.
There are also fears that premature implementation could trigger delays in cargo clearance, worsen congestion at Nigerian ports, and ultimately drive up vehicle prices for consumers.
Before the government decided to delay the rollout, some industry players had threatened legal action, citing inadequate consultation and the risk of widespread disruption across the automotive value chain.
The postponement is widely seen as a strategic move to ease tensions and prevent an escalating dispute, while giving regulators time to refine the implementation framework in collaboration with stakeholders.
With the new August 2026 timeline, attention now shifts to the consultation process, which is expected to shape the final structure of the VehCAP policy and determine its impact on Nigeria’s automotive sector.
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