CBN directs banks to accept expired NAFDAC licences for imports till February

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has approved a two-month temporary dispensation allowing authorised dealer banks (ADBs) to continue accepting expired National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) licences for the processing of Forms M.

The Form M is an import processing document used by importers in Nigeria to register goods they want to bring into the country.

In a notice on Monday, the CBN said ADBs may accept NAFDAC licences that expired on December 31, 2025, up until February 28, 2026.

The notice was signed by Aliyu Ashiru, director of the trade and exchange department at the CBN.

“The temporary dispensation has become necessary due to the transition from legacy NICIS II system and the inability of importers to validate or renew NAFDAC licenses on B’Odogwu after December 2025,” the apex bank said.

“Accordingly, all Authorised Dealer Banks are to note the following: continue accepting NAFDAC licences that expired on December 31, 2025, for the purpose of processing Forms M.

“Ensure compliance with the terms of this dispensation, which expires on February 28, 2026.”

The CBN said the measure is aimed at preventing disruptions to trade processes while NAFDAC completes the integration of its systems with the new national single window.