The United States Coast Guard has lifted a 12-year Condition of Entry imposed on vessels arriving in the United States from Nigeria, the Federal Government has announced.
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, disclosed the development on Tuesday in a statement shared on his X handle.
The restriction, introduced in June 2014, subjected vessels that had called at designated Nigerian ports before sailing to the US to additional security measures and enhanced scrutiny.
According to the minister, the decision to lift the restriction followed a series of assessments conducted by the US Coast Guard on Nigeria’s maritime security system and port facilities.
The assessments took place between March 11 and 13, 2024; April 15 and 19, 2024; March 15 and 21, 2025; and April 13 and 17, 2026.
The Federal Government said the assessments showed substantial improvements in Nigeria’s maritime security performance and its implementation of the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code.
Oyetola described the development as a significant achievement for the country’s maritime industry, noting that it reflected progress in strengthening security and compliance with international standards across Nigerian ports and facilities.
He said, “Nigeria’s maritime sector has achieved a major milestone: the United States Coast Guard has lifted the 12-year Condition of Entry imposed on vessels arriving in the U.S. from Nigeria.
“This is a strong affirmation of the progress we have made in strengthening maritime security and implementing the ISPS Code across our ports and facilities.
“I commend our agencies and stakeholders for their sustained collaboration. This achievement will enhance port competitiveness, improve vessel turnaround and schedule reliability, reduce costs and strengthen Nigeria’s position in the global maritime economy.
“We will sustain this momentum and ensure Nigeria remains a safe, secure and competitive destination for international shipping.”
The minister attributed the achievement to sustained efforts by the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency and other stakeholders to improve maritime security and meet international requirements.
Meanwhile, NIMASA said the removal of the Condition of Entry would boost the competitiveness of Nigerian ports, improve vessel turnaround times and schedule reliability, and reduce additional security-related expenses.
The agency also said the development would further strengthen Nigeria’s standing in the global shipping industry.
Oyetola commended NIMASA Director-General, Dayo Mobereola, as well as other stakeholders who contributed to the progress recorded in the maritime sector.
