CBN Temporarily Approves Expired NAFDAC Licenses for Imports

The Central Bank of Nigeria, (CBN) has approved a temporary dispensation that permits authorized dealer banks to continue accepting expired National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) licenses for import documentation.

The decision was made with the aim to prevent disruption to trade activities.

According to the CBN Circular, the agreement permits banks to handle Form M applications using NAFDAC licenses that expired on December 31, 2025.

The circular was dated January 26, 2026, and signed by Aliyu M. Ashiru, Director of the CBN’s Trade and Exchange Department. The temporary measure will take effect right away and last until February 28, 2026.

“The Central Bank of Nigeria wishes to notify all Authorized Dealer Banks and the general public of a temporary dispensation … permitting the continued use of NAFDAC licenses that expired on 31st December, 2025, for the processing of Forms M … ending February 28, 2026.” — CBN circular.

Why the Move Was Necessary

The central bank claims that operational difficulties resulted and was neccessited by the transition from the outdated Nigeria Integrated Customs Information System II (NICIS II) to the new B’Odogwu platform.

Since the end of 2025, several importers have had trouble validating or renewing their NAFDAC licenses on the new system, which could result in import processing challenges.

The CBN emphasized that banks must completely comply with the policy’s requirements and that the dispensation will automatically expire on February 28, 2026.

The measure is strictly time-bound and only pertains to Form M processing.

What This Means for Nigerian Importers

For many importers, especially those dealing in products regulated by NAFDAC, the CBN’s announcement provides short‑term relief.

This is especially at a time when system transitions have otherwise stalled licence renewals and validations. Without this waiver, traders risked being unable to complete import documentation, delaying shipments and increasing costs.

Importers of pharmaceuticals, food products, cosmetics, and related goods will be able to continue processing their import transactions smoothly, using licenses that technically expired at the end of 2025. This is as long as the documentation is completed before the February 28 deadline.

However, businesses must still prepare to renew their licences officially once NAFDAC completes its systems integration. Else they risk compliance issues after the temporary window closes.

So far, the move also highlights the need for better system preparedness as regulatory agencies digitize processes.

Implications for Trade

The temporary acceptance of expired NAFDAC licences provides short-term relief for importers, particularly those dealing in pharmaceuticals, food products, and cosmetics.

It allows banks to process Form M applications using licenses that expired at the end of 2025. With this update, the CBN has helped prevent potential shipment delays and added costs that could have arisen from the ongoing transition to new regulatory systems.

However, this measure is strictly time-bound, ending on February 28, 2026. Importers must ensure that they renew their licences and comply fully once NAFDAC completes its digital system integration, or risk non-compliance issues thereafter.

However, the move also underscores the importance of a ready system and regulatory coordination as Nigeria continues to digitize trade processes.

In the longer term, the implementation of platforms like the National Single Window and Trade Facilitation Portal is expected to streamline import procedures, reduce bureaucracy, and enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness in global trade.