The Nigerian government is set to roll out automotive reforms in 2026, including an end-of-life vehicle policy, stricter standards for imported used vehicles, and expanded electric vehicle capacity.
The Director-General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Mr Joseph Osanipin, who disclosed this during a media parley in Abuja, stressed that the success of the reforms depends heavily on public awareness and media support.
He explained that the proposed end-of-life vehicle policy, which has already received approval and is ready for implementation, would ensure the responsible disposal and recycling of vehicles once they are no longer roadworthy.
“In developed countries, immediately you buy a new vehicle, during registration you make a payment towards the disposal of that vehicle when it gets to the end of life; somebody has to be responsible for the disposal,” Osanipin said.
According to him, over 85 per cent of parts from end-of-life vehicles can still be recycled, creating jobs, supporting second-hand parts markets, and generating significant revenue.
The NADDC boss also announced plans to enforce mandatory inspection and certification of used vehicles before they are imported into Nigeria, a practice already common in other African countries.
“We’ve seen situations where vehicles that are already at end of life in Dubai are being brought into Nigeria. They are doing it because of their personal interests, not because they like you.”
“If you are going to buy a vehicle in Nigeria, it has to be what it should be,” he stated.
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On capacity building, the Director-General said the Council has trained technicians in compressed natural gas conversion, electric vehicle maintenance, and retrofitting, while introducing National Occupational Standards to support certification.
“We are so concerned about certification because when our people train and they get out, what do they show? What tells their competencies?”
Mr Osanipin revealed that Nigerian universities are already working on locally designed electric buses and tricycles, with private sector support to move the projects from design to production.
“If we succeed and we are able to produce two or three good auto engineers in Nigeria, what it will do to the economy cannot be imagined,” he said.
The NADDC boss also reiterated the Council’s push to move the National Automotive Industry Development Plan from policy to legislation in order to attract long-term investment.
“Investment in auto is huge; if you are going to bring three to four billion dollars, you need more than policy; you need an Act.”
He appealed to the media to help educate Nigerians ahead of the reforms.