The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has approved a temporary window allowing importers to use expired NAFDAC licences for import documentation, providing relief to businesses affected by recent system changes in Nigeria’s trade processes.
In a circular issued on January 26, 2026, by its Trade and Exchange Department and published on the CBN website, the apex bank stated that authorised dealer banks may continue processing Form M applications with NAFDAC licences that expired on December 31, 2025.
The approval, effective immediately, will run for two months and expire on February 28, 2026.
The circular, signed by Aliyu M. Ashiru for the Director of the Trade and Exchange Department, read:
“The Central Bank of Nigeria wishes to notify all Authorised Dealer Banks and the general public of a temporary dispensation offered by NAFDAC permitting the continued use of licences that expired on 31st December 2025 for processing Forms M. This temporary dispensation will end on February 28, 2026.”
The measure follows a temporary dispensation by NAFDAC and applies strictly to Form M processing. The CBN explained that it was necessitated by operational challenges during the migration from the legacy Nigeria Integrated Customs Information System II platform to the new system.
Importers have reportedly faced difficulties validating or renewing NAFDAC licences, particularly due to issues on the B’Odogwu platform after December 2025. The temporary window is designed to ease bottlenecks and prevent delays in import documentation.
The CBN stressed that the dispensation is time-bound, urging all authorised dealer banks to adhere strictly to the arrangement, which will lapse automatically on February 28, 2026.
This move comes amid the government’s broader push to digitalise and streamline trade processes. In October 2025, the National Single Window and Trade Facilitation Portal were launched under the leadership of Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole.
The platforms aim to reduce bureaucracy, increase transparency, and boost Nigeria’s global trade competitiveness, allowing all stakeholders—customs, regulatory agencies, importers, and exporters—to submit standardised trade documentation digitally.
The government has targeted March 2026 for the full operationalisation of the National Single Window, ensuring a smoother, fully digital trade process nationwide.
