What is Form M in Nigeria? The import document explained

If you import goods into Nigeria, Form M is the first document in the chain. Without it, your bank will not pay your supplier through official channels, and Customs will not issue the assessment you need to clear the goods.

What is Form M?

Form M is a mandatory electronic declaration for imports into Nigeria. It records the importer, the supplier, the goods, their value, the currency, the port of entry and how the import will be paid for. It is filed through an authorised dealer bank on the Central Bank of Nigeria's trade monitoring system, and the bank forwards it to Customs.

It applies to all commercial imports, regardless of value. A Form M is marked either valid for foreign exchange, where the bank will process the payment, or not valid for foreign exchange, where the importer pays some other approved way.

The rules banks apply are set out in the CBN's Foreign Exchange Manual. A new, 4th edition took effect on 1 June 2026, replacing the 2018 manual, so ask your bank's trade desk which requirements changed for your goods.

What documents do you need?

The bank may ask for more depending on the goods. Our guide to proforma vs commercial invoices explains what the supplier needs to include.

How does the process work?

1. Agree terms with the supplier and get the proforma invoice.
2. Submit the e-Form M through your bank with the supporting documents.
3. The bank reviews and registers it on the trade monitoring system.
4. Once approved, the bank can process the foreign exchange payment if the form is valid for FX.
5. The supplier ships, and sends the commercial invoice, bill of lading and packing list.
6. Nigeria Customs issues the PAAR (Pre-Arrival Assessment Report) from the Form M and final documents.
7. You or your clearing agent pay duty and clear the goods.

How long is Form M valid?

The initial validity is 180 days, and it can be extended once. If the goods have not shipped in time, ask your bank about an extension before the form expires.

How do you pay the supplier?

Under a valid-for-FX Form M, your bank pays the supplier from your naira or domiciliary account, by letter of credit, bills for collection or direct transfer. Common terms are a deposit before production and the balance before shipment. Confirm the supplier's bank details by phone and check the account name matches the company on the proforma invoice. See how to pay Chinese suppliers from Africa and letters of credit explained.

Where Rivet fits

Form M payments for imports into Nigeria go through authorised dealer banks, so an importer's bank remains the route for paying under a Form M. Rivet is useful on the other side of trade: a registered Nigerian company selling abroad can receive USD from foreign buyers into account details in its own name in the countries we support. For exporters, see the NXP form.