The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has implemented a significant temporary measure to ease import documentation processes for businesses across the country. In a move aimed at addressing operational bottlenecks, the apex bank has approved the continued use of expired National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) licenses for import documentation purposes.
Circular Details and Implementation Timeline
In a circular issued by the Trade and Exchange Department on January 26, 2026, and published on the CBN website on Tuesday, the bank directed authorized dealer banks to continue processing Form M applications using NAFDAC licenses that expired on December 31, 2025. This temporary approval takes immediate effect and will remain valid for a two-month period, expiring on February 28, 2026.
Operational Challenges Prompting the Decision
The CBN explained that this decision was necessitated by operational challenges arising from the migration from the legacy Nigeria Integrated Customs Information System II platform. According to the circular, many importers have been unable to validate or renew their NAFDAC licenses since the system transition, particularly due to difficulties encountered on the B'Odogwu platform after December 2025.
The circular, signed by Aliyu M. Ashiru for the Director of the Trade and Exchange Department, stated: "The Central Bank of Nigeria wishes to notify all Authorised Dealer Banks and the general public of a temporary dispensation offered by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control permitting the continued use of NAFDAC licences that expired on 31st December, 2025, for the processing of Forms M for a two-month temporary dispensation ending February 28, 2026."
Scope and Limitations of the Approval
The CBN clarified that this approval follows a temporary dispensation granted by NAFDAC and applies strictly to Form M processing during the approved period. The bank emphasized that this is a time-bound arrangement designed to address immediate challenges while NAFDAC completes the integration of its systems with the National Single Window.
To prevent delays in import documentation and address existing bottlenecks, the CBN has directed all authorized dealer banks to continue accepting the affected licenses within the specified two-month window. This measure is intended to ensure continuity in trade transactions and maintain smooth business operations during the system transition period.
Compliance and Future Implications
The apex bank stressed the temporary nature of this arrangement and urged banks to comply strictly with the directive. The CBN noted that the approval would lapse automatically on February 28, 2026, and emphasized that this is strictly a transitional measure to facilitate business operations during system integration challenges.
This development represents a practical response to technological transition challenges affecting Nigeria's import documentation processes. By providing this temporary relief, the CBN aims to prevent disruptions to trade activities while regulatory systems undergo necessary upgrades and integration.
