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From Adanna Nnamani, Abuja
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has approved a two-month temporary lifeline allowing importers to continue using NAFDAC licences that expired on December 31, 2025, for the processing of Forms M.
The grace period, which runs until February 28, 2026, is aimed at preventing disruption to import and trade activities as the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) completes its transition from the legacy NICIS II platform to the new B’Odogwu system.
The directive was contained in a circular issued by the apex bank and signed by the Director, Trade and Exchange Department, Aliyu Ashiru.
According to the circular, all Authorised Dealer Banks (ADBs) have been instructed to continue accepting the expired NAFDAC licences for Form M processing within the two-month window and to ensure strict compliance with the conditions attached to the dispensation.
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“The Central Bank of Nigeria wishes to notify all Authorised Dealer Banks (ADBs) and the general public of a temporary dispensation offered by NAFDAC permitting the continued use of NAFDAC licences that expired on December 31, 2025, for the processing of Forms M,” the circular stated.
It explained that the decision became necessary following the transition from the NICIS II system and the inability of importers to validate or renew their NAFDAC licences on the B’Odogwu platform after December 2025.
The CBN noted that the temporary window was designed to ensure uninterrupted trade operations while NAFDAC finalises the integration of its system with the National Single Window.
Accordingly, the apex bank directed ADBs to continue accepting NAFDAC licences that expired on December 31, 2025, for Form M processing, stressing that the dispensation will lapse on February 28, 2026.
The CBN added that the measure was solely to prevent a breakdown in trade processes during the transition period and urged all stakeholders to comply fully with the directive.
