The United States Coast Guard is set to lift a 12-year-old security restriction placed on vessels arriving in the US from Nigeria.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, said the decision represents a major milestone for Nigeria’s maritime sector and reflects improvements in the country’s maritime security standards.
The restriction, known as the Condition of Entry (CoE), was introduced on June 25, 2014. It required vessels heading to the United States that had recently called at designated Nigerian ports to undergo additional security checks and comply with enhanced requirements before entering US waters.
According to the minister, the decision followed four assessments of Nigeria’s maritime security framework and port facilities conducted by the US Coast Guard between 2024 and 2026.
Oyetola said the assessments showed significant improvements in Nigeria’s implementation of the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS Code).
He attributed the achievement to the efforts of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), port operators, shipping companies and other maritime stakeholders.
The removal of the restriction is expected to reduce additional inspections, documentation, security requirements and delays faced by vessels travelling between Nigeria and the United States.
It could also improve vessel turnaround times, lower operating costs and make Nigerian ports more attractive to international shipping lines.
Oyetola said the development would strengthen Nigeria’s position in the global maritime industry and potentially boost trade, investment, employment and port revenues.
The minister commended NIMASA Director-General Dayo Mobereola and his team, saying the lifting of the restriction demonstrated the impact of effective regulation, cooperation among stakeholders and sustained investment in maritime security.
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