The United States Coast Guard (USCG) has lifted the Condition of Entry (CoE) imposed on vessels arriving in the United States from Nigeria, ending 12 years of enhanced security requirements for ships calling at Nigerian ports.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, described the development as a major milestone for Nigeria’s maritime sector and an indication of progress in the country’s efforts to strengthen maritime security and comply with international standards.
The Condition of Entry, which took effect on June 25, 2014, required vessels heading to the United States that had called at designated Nigerian ports within their previous five port calls to undergo additional security measures and scrutiny before entering US waters.
Oyetola said the restriction was lifted following 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 and terminal operators, shipping companies and other stakeholders.
He said the efforts focused on strengthening Nigeria’s maritime security framework, addressing identified gaps and demonstrating sustained compliance with the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code.
“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.
The minister disclosed that the US Coast Guard conducted four comprehensive assessments of Nigeria’s national maritime security framework and port facilities between March 2024 and April 2026.
The assessments were carried out from March 11 to 13 and April 15 to 19, 2024; March 15 to 21, 2025; and April 13 to 17, 2026.
According to Oyetola, the assessments recorded significant progress in Nigeria’s maritime security performance and implementation of the ISPS Code, ultimately contributing to the lifting of the restriction.
He attributed the development to sustained regulatory oversight, institutional collaboration and NIMASA’s efforts to strengthen maritime security.
Oyetola also commended NIMASA Director-General, Dr Dayo Mobereola, and his team for their contribution to the achievement.
Beyond maritime security, the minister said the lifting of the restriction could improve the competitiveness and efficiency of Nigerian ports and strengthen the country’s position in the global maritime economy.
He said the development 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 removal of the restriction could also make Nigerian ports more attractive to international shipping lines, potentially encouraging increased shipping activity and contributing to higher trade volumes, 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 under the Condition of Entry.
The measures resulted in additional operating and security costs for shipping operators, alongside increased inspections, documentation requirements and potential delays in vessel turnaround.
The restrictions had also raised concerns about the competitiveness of Nigerian ports and their standing within the international shipping community.
With the lifting of the Condition of Entry, vessels calling at Nigerian ports before proceeding to the United States will no longer be subject to the additional USCG security requirements imposed under the restriction.
Oyetola said the Federal Government would continue to strengthen maritime security and maintain internationally accepted standards as Nigeria positions its ports for greater participation in global shipping and trade.