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Sector licencesHealthNigeria

Import controlled substances / precursor chemicals (NAFDAC)

Obtain a NAFDAC permit to import narcotics, psychotropics or precursor chemicals for medical/scientific use (NDLEA shares diversion control): register → compliant storage → apply for the import permit → permit issued.

Procedure
4steps
Coordination
3agencies
Category
Sector licencesHealth
Task links

Go to the exact next page

Application, requirements, forms, fees, and tracking are labelled separately.

RequirementsRead the official requirementsNAFDAC — Narcotics & Controlled Substances Directorate · nafdac.gov.ng
Routing map

Who you will deal with

NAFDAC — Narcotics & Controlled Substances DirectorateNAFDACNAFDAC (with NDLEA)
Procedure

The steps, in order

Each route below is scoped to the step it can actually complete.

  1. 01

    Register the company and technical officer

    Agency
    NAFDAC — Narcotics & Controlled Substances Directorate
    What is required
    Register with NAFDAC. Pharmaceutical firms need a Superintendent Pharmacist (B.Pharm); precursor-chemical firms need a Technical Officer (at least an OND in a science discipline).
    Documents
    CAC docs; Superintendent Pharmacist / Technical Officer
    Typical timeline
    Registration
    Use for this step
  2. 02

    Provide compliant storage facilities

    Agency
    NAFDAC
    What is required
    Provide facilities appropriate to the substances — PPE, fire-fighting equipment, temperature monitoring and secure warehousing.
    Documents
    Compliant warehouse & safety equipment
    Typical timeline
    Pre-permit
    Use for this step
  3. 03

    Apply for the import permit

    Agency
    NAFDAC (with NDLEA)
    What is required
    Apply to the NAFDAC Narcotics & Controlled Substances Directorate for authorisation to import/clear narcotics, psychotropics or precursor chemicals for medical/scientific purposes. NDLEA shares control against precursor diversion.
    Documents
    Application; product & quantity details; end-use
    Typical timeline
    Application stage
    Use for this step
  4. 04

    Permit issued and import

    Agency
    NAFDAC
    What is required
    A complete application is processed within a maximum of 15 working days; import and clear strictly under the permit.
    Documents
    Complete application
    Typical timeline
    ≤15 working days
    Use for this step
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