US Lifts 12-year Condition Of Entry On Nigerian Vessels – Oyetola

The United States Coast Guard (USCG) has lifted the Condition of Entry (CoE) imposed on vessels arriving in the United States from Nigeria, bringing to an end a 12-year regime of enhanced security requirements on vessels calling at Nigerian ports.

The minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, who announced the development, described it as a major breakthrough for Nigeria’s maritime sector and a strong affirmation of the country’s progress in strengthening maritime security and implementing the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code.

The Condition of Entry, which took effect on June 25, 2014, required vessels destined for the United States that had called at designated Nigerian ports within their previous five port calls to undergo additional security measures and enhanced scrutiny before gaining access to US waters.

According to Oyetola, the lifting of the restriction followed sustained efforts by the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, through the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), in collaboration with relevant government agencies, port operators, terminal and facility operators, shipping companies and other stakeholders.

He said the coordinated efforts focused on strengthening Nigeria’s maritime security framework, addressing identified gaps and demonstrating sustained compliance with internationally accepted maritime security standards.

“The lifting of the Conditions of Entry is a major milestone for Nigeria’s maritime sector. It is a strong affirmation of the progress we have made in strengthening maritime security and implementing the ISPS Code across our ports and facilities,” Oyetola said.

“We are committed to sustaining this momentum and ensuring that Nigeria remains a safe, secure and competitive destination for international shipping.”

The Minister disclosed that over the past two years, the US Coast Guard conducted four comprehensive assessments of Nigeria’s national maritime security framework and port facilities.

He said the assessments were carried out between March 11 and 13, 2024; April 15 and 19, 2024; March 15 and 21, 2025; and April 13 and 17, 2026.

Oyetola said the results of the assessments demonstrated significant progress in Nigeria’s maritime security performance and implementation of the ISPS Code, ultimately leading to the lifting of the CoE.

He attributed the achievement to sustained regulatory oversight, institutional collaboration and continued investment in maritime security.

The Minister also commended the Director-General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, and his team for their contributions to the development, saying the lifting of the restriction demonstrated the positive impact of effective regulation and stakeholder collaboration.

According to him, the development goes beyond maritime security, as it has the potential to improve the competitiveness and efficiency of Nigerian ports and strengthen the country’s position in the global maritime economy.

The lifting of the CoE is expected to facilitate faster vessel turnaround and improve schedule reliability, while reducing costs associated with additional documentation, inspections, security measures and entry-related delays.

It could also make Nigerian ports more attractive to international shipping lines, potentially encouraging increased shipping activity and contributing to higher trade, investment, employment opportunities and port revenues.

For more than a decade, vessels trading between Nigeria and the United States were subjected to additional security and operational requirements because of the CoE.

The measures imposed additional costs on shipping operators through enhanced security requirements, inspections and documentation, while also contributing to delays in vessel turnaround and concerns over freight and insurance costs.

The restrictions had also raised broader concerns about the competitiveness of Nigerian ports and their perception among international shipping stakeholders.

With the lifting of the CoE, Oyetola said vessels calling at Nigerian ports and subsequently proceeding to the United States would no longer be subjected to the additional USCG security requirements imposed specifically under the restriction.

The Minister said the Federal Government would continue to strengthen Nigeria’s maritime security architecture and sustain compliance with international standards to consolidate the gains recorded in the sector.