In a bold move to clean up Nigeria’s roads and cash in on the massive potential of car recycling, the Federal Government has announced that full enforcement of the End-of-Life Vehicle (ELV) Waste Recycling Regulation will begin in October 2025. This nationwide initiative is expected to inject over ₦60 billion into the economy annually and create more than 40,000 jobs for Nigerians. Eyes Of Lagos reports,

At a high-powered stakeholders’ forum in Abuja, Joseph Osanipin, the Director-General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), confirmed the official start date and revealed how the policy will transform Nigeria’s auto industry and environment.

“This isn’t just another regulation on paper,” Osanipin said. “It’s a full-blown economic and ecological revolution that will reshape how we deal with old, damaged, and abandoned vehicles.”

💡 What Is ELV And Why It Matters

The ELV Waste Recycling Regulation—unveiled on March 5, 2025, by Senator John Owen, Minister of State for Industry—is aimed at building a sustainable system for identifying, deregistering, dismantling, and recycling worn-out vehicles across Nigeria.

Beyond cleanup, the policy introduces formal recycling standards and supports the recovery of valuable materials like metal, rubber, plastic, and electronics from scrap cars. It’s all part of Nigeria’s ambitious push toward a green circular economy.

🔧 National Action Plan Already in Motion

To guarantee smooth rollout, a multi-agency ELV Steering Committee has been set up. Members include:

• Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS)

• State Tax Authorities

• Vehicle Inspection Offices (VIO)

• Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC)

• Nigeria Customs Service

• Nigeria Police

• Private-sector recyclers

This committee will oversee implementation, ensure compliance, and make necessary legal or policy tweaks along the way.

💸 Incentives Coming for Car Owners

To encourage voluntary participation, the government is working with the Joint Tax Board to roll out financial incentives for Nigerians who willingly turn in derelict or end-of-life vehicles. These incentives are expected to help track tax revenue, promote safer roads, and drive adoption of clean, regulated recycling practices.

♻️ More Than Just Scrapping Cars

“This isn’t about junkyards,” Osanipin stressed. “We’re formalising an entire industry—creating jobs, attracting investors, and reducing urban pollution all at once.”

From mechanics and scrap collectors to logistics providers and industrial recyclers, the ELV regulation will positively affect multiple sectors and offer major business opportunities for investors and entrepreneurs in Nigeria’s green economy.

🔍 Eyes of Lagos Insight

With urban pollution rising and abandoned vehicles choking major roads in cities like Lagos, this move couldn’t have come at a better time. If implemented effectively, it could mark a new chapter in Nigeria’s environmental and economic transformation.

Stay tuned to Eyes of Lagos for more exclusive updates on national reforms, green initiatives, and investment opportunities!