CBN grants two-month waiver on expired NAFDAC licences for imports

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

The Form M serves as an import documentation requirement for registering goods intended for entry into Nigeria.

In a notice issued on Monday, the apex bank said authorised dealer banks may continue accepting licences that expired on December 31, 2025, until February 28, 2026.

The directive was contained in a circular signed by Aliyu Ashiru, director of the trade and exchange department at the CBN.

The bank explained that the approval was necessary because of challenges linked to the transition from the NICIS II system.

“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 CBN said.

The apex bank instructed all authorised dealer banks to continue processing Forms M with expired licences within the approved period.

“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,” the notice read.

The CBN further urged banks to strictly adhere to the conditions of the dispensation.

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

The apex bank said the measure is intended to avoid disruptions in trade while NAFDAC integrates its systems with the national single window platform.