US lifts 12-year security restriction on ships from Nigerian ports

The United States Coast Guard, USCG, has removed the Condition of Entry, CoE, imposed on vessels arriving in the United States from Nigeria, bringing an end to a 12-year period of heightened security requirements for ships calling at Nigerian ports.

Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola announced the development, describing it as a significant achievement in Nigeria’s efforts to improve maritime security, strengthen port competitiveness and enhance its position within the international shipping industry.

The restriction, introduced on June 25, 2014, required vessels heading to the United States that had visited designated Nigerian ports within their previous five port calls to undergo additional security checks and enhanced measures before being allowed into US waters.

Oyetola attributed the removal of the restriction to sustained efforts by the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, through the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), alongside other government institutions, port and terminal operators, shipping companies and maritime stakeholders.

He said the initiatives focused on improving Nigeria’s maritime security architecture, closing identified gaps and ensuring that the country’s ports met internationally recognised security requirements.

The United States Coast Guard carried out four detailed assessments of Nigeria’s national maritime security system and port facilities over the past two years. The assessments took place in March and April 2024, March 2025 and April 2026.

According to the minister, the assessments showed substantial improvements in Nigeria’s maritime security operations and its implementation of the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code. The progress ultimately paved the way for the removal of the CoE.

Oyetola described the development as an important milestone for Nigeria’s maritime industry, saying it demonstrated the progress recorded in securing the country’s ports and implementing global maritime security standards.

He said the Federal Government would continue to build on the achievement to ensure that Nigerian ports remain secure, reliable and attractive to international shipping operators.

The minister also commended NIMASA Director-General, Dr Dayo Mobereola, and his team for their role in achieving the development.

Oyetola said the lifting of the restriction emphasised the importance of effective regulation, cooperation among maritime stakeholders and sustained investment in port security infrastructure.