The Central Bank of Nigeria has approved a temporary measure allowing importers to use expired National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control licences for import documentation, providing relief to businesses affected by ongoing system transitions in Nigeria’s trade processing framework.

In a circular dated January 26, 2026, and issued by its Trade and Exchange Department, the CBN said authorised dealer banks may continue to process Form M applications using NAFDAC licences that expired on December 31, 2025.

The temporary window will last for two months and is scheduled to close on February 28, 2026.

The circular was signed by Aliyu M. Ashiru, Director of the Trade and Exchange Department.

The circular read, “The Central Bank of Nigeria wishes to notify all Authorised Dealers Banks (ADBs) and the general public of a temporary dispensation offered by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) permitting the continued use of NAFDAC licenses that expired on 31st December, 2025, for the processing of Forms M for a two-month temporary dispensation ending February 28, 2026.”

The CBN said the approval was based on a temporary dispensation from NAFDAC, which allows the affected licences to remain valid strictly for Form M processing during the period.

It added that the decision was driven by operational challenges resulting from the transition away from the legacy NICIS II platform.

The circular noted that importers have been unable to validate or renew NAFDAC licences since the system transition, particularly due to challenges on the B’Odogwu platform after December 2025.

To ease delays in import documentation, the CBN instructed all authorised dealer banks to continue accepting expired licences for Form M processing during the approved period.

The bank stressed that the dispensation is temporary and urged strict compliance, adding that it will automatically expire on February 28, 2026.

Form M is a mandatory electronic import documentation system in Nigeria that records details of goods brought into the country. It serves as the basis for trade monitoring, foreign exchange management, and customs clearance.

Through Form M regulations, the CBN directly manages Nigeria’s balance of payments, helps prevent trade-related foreign exchange leakages, and ensures that imports align with national economic and regulatory priorities.