Central Bank Grants 2-month Form M Relief To Importers

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has approved a two-month temporary dispensation allowing importers to continue using National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) licences that expired on December 31, 2025, for the processing of statutory import documentation, known as Form M.

The directive was contained in a circular dated January 26, 2026, signed by Aliyu M. Ashiru on behalf of the Director of the Trade and Exchange Department. It was addressed to all Authorised Dealer Banks (ADBs) and the general public.

According to the apex bank, the NAFDAC dispensation will remain in effect until February 28, 2026. During this period, importers are permitted to process Form M using NAFDAC licence that expired at the end of 2025.

The CBN explained that the temporary measure became necessary following the transition from the legacy Nigeria Integrated Customs Information System (NICIS I) and the attendant challenges importers faced in validating or renewing NAFDAC licences on the newly deployed B’Odogwu platform after December 2025.

The bank noted that the approval is aimed at easing disruptions in import processing and ensuring the smooth flow of legitimate trade while outstanding technical issues surrounding the new platform are being resolved.

“The temporary dispensation has become necessary due to the transition from legacy

NICIS I system and the inability of importers to validate or renew NAFDAC licenses on B’Odogwu after December 2025. Accordingly, all Authorised Dealer Banks are to continue accepting NAFDAC licences that expired on December 31, 2025, for the purpose of processing Forms M,” the circular stated.

The apex bank further directed ADBs to ensure strict compliance with the terms of the dispensation, stressing that the approval expires on February 28, 2026.

The CBN noted that the temporary relief is aimed at preventing disruption in trade processes while NAFDAC completes the integration of its system with the new National Single Window (NSW).