US Lifts Restriction On Vessels From Nigeria After 12 Years

The United States Coast Guard (USCG) has lifted the Condition of Entry (CoE) imposed on vessels arriving in the United States from Nigeria, ending a 12-year regime of enhanced security requirements for 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.

Oyetola said 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 from March 11 to 13, 2024; April 15 to 19, 2024; March 15 to 21, 2025; and April 13 to 17, 2026.

According to him, the assessment results demonstrated significant progress in Nigeria’s maritime security performance and in the implementation of the ISPS Code, ultimately leading to the lifting of the Condition of Entry.

Oyetola attributed the development to sustained regulatory oversight, institutional collaboration and NIMASA’s commitment to strengthening maritime security.

He also commended the Director-General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, and his team for their contributions to the achievement, describing the lifting of the restriction as evidence of the positive impact of effective regulation, stakeholder collaboration and sustained investment in maritime security.

Beyond security, Oyetola said the development could improve the competitiveness and efficiency of Nigerian ports and strengthen the country’s position within the global maritime economy.

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

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

For more than a decade, vessels trading between Nigeria and the United States had been subjected to additional security and operational requirements as a result of the Condition of Entry.

The measures resulted in additional security and operating costs for shipping operators, as well as increased inspections, documentation requirements and potential delays in vessel turnaround.

The restrictions also raised concerns about the competitiveness of Nigerian ports and their perception within the international shipping community.

With the lifting of the Condition of Entry, vessels calling at Nigerian ports and subsequently proceeding to the United States will no longer be subject to the additional USCG security requirements imposed under that restriction.

Oyetola said the federal government remained committed to sustaining the progress recorded in maritime security and ensuring that Nigeria continues to meet internationally accepted standards as it positions its ports for greater participation in global shipping and trade.