The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has authorised a temporary two-month acceptance of expired NAFDAC licences for import documentation, following widespread operational disruptions linked to a major customs system migration.
In a circular dated January 26 and published on its website, the apex bank instructed all authorised dealer banks to continue processing Form M applications using NAFDAC licences that lapsed on December 31, 2025. This special dispensation, effective immediately, will expire on February 28, 2026.
The policy shift addresses critical bottlenecks faced by importers and banks since Nigeria’s transition from the old Nigeria Integrated Customs Information System (NICIS II). According to the CBN, importers have been unable to validate or renew crucial NAFDAC permits due to persistent technical difficulties on the new B’Odogwu platform.
Signed by Aliyu M. Ashiru for the Director of the Trade and Exchange Department, the circular clarified that the measure follows a formal temporary dispensation granted by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) itself.
“The approval is intended to ease bottlenecks and prevent delays in import documentation,” the circular stated, directing banks to accept the affected licences within the approved window.
The CBN emphasised that the arrangement is strictly time-bound and applies only to Form M processing during this period. It is designed to ensure continuity in trade transactions while NAFDAC finalises the integration of its systems with the National Single Window project.
The bank warned that the approval would lapse automatically on the stipulated date and urged all authorised dealers to comply strictly with the terms of the temporary directive.
