US Lifts 12-Year Security Restriction On Nigerian Vessels

The United States Coast Guard (USCG) has lifted a 12-year-old Condition of Entry (CoE) imposed on vessels arriving in the US from Nigeria, marking a major development for the country’s maritime industry.

The restriction, which had been in place since June 2014, was lifted following sustained efforts by the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and other industry stakeholders to strengthen maritime security and improve compliance with the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code.

NIMASA announced the development, saying the decision was expected to improve Nigeria’s competitiveness in international shipping.

The agency said the removal of the restriction would help improve port competitiveness, enhance vessel turnaround times and increase schedule reliability for ships operating between Nigeria and the United States.

It is also expected to reduce additional security-related costs associated with the previous restriction and strengthen Nigeria’s position in global shipping.

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Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, commended NIMASA Director-General, Dayo Mobereola, and other stakeholders for their contributions towards securing the lifting of the restriction.

The development is seen as a boost to efforts to position Nigeria’s maritime sector as safer, more secure and competitive within the global shipping industry.

The lifting of the Condition of Entry also signals increased confidence in Nigeria’s implementation of international maritime security standards and measures to protect ships and port facilities.