BY NKECHI NAECHE-ESEZOBOR-The Central Bank of Nigeria has granted a temporary dispensation permitting importers to use National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), licences that have expired for the processing of import documents untilFebruary 28, 2026..
This is contained in a circular issued on January 26, 2026, by the Trade and Exchange Department to authorized Dealer Banks (ADBs) and the general public, published on its official website,
According to the apex regulator, the temporary approval became necessary due to the ongoing transition from the legacy NICIS II system and challenges faced by importers in validating or renewing NAFDAC licences on the new B’Odogwu platform after December 2025.
The circular was signed by Aliyu M. Ashiru, Director of the Trade and Exchange Department.
The CBN directed all Authorised Dealer Banks to continue accepting NAFDAC licences that expired on December 31, 2025, strictly for the purpose of processing Forms M during the dispensation period.
Banks were also instructed to ensure full compliance with the terms of the approval, noting that the arrangement will lapse on February 28, 2026.
The CBN said the move is aimed at preventing disruptions to trade processes while NAFDAC completes the integration of its systems with the National Single Window platform.
