US Commends Nigeria As 12-Year Maritime Security Restriction Is Lifted

The United States Government has commended Nigeria for reforms in maritime security that led to the removal of a 12-year Condition of Entry imposed on vessels travelling from Nigeria to the United States.

According to a statement signed by Dr Bolaji Akinola, Special Adviser to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, the U.S. Government said the lifting of the restriction would reduce costs for shipping operators, improve vessel turnaround times and strengthen trade between both countries.

In a letter dated August 26, 2026, and addressed to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, the U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Frank W. Garcia Jr., congratulated Nigeria on the development.

Garcia described the lifting of the restriction as evidence of Nigeria’s “sustained strengthening of port security and anti-terrorism compliance.”

The development followed a decision by the United States Coast Guard in August to remove the long-standing security restriction on vessels arriving in the U.S. from Nigeria.

Garcia said the decision would have direct economic benefits for operators engaged in maritime trade between both countries.

The letter reads in part: “Please allow me to join you in welcoming the U.S. Coast Guard’s decision to lift the 12-year security restriction on Nigerian-flagged vessels calling at American ports. This achievement reflects Nigeria’s sustained strengthening of port security and anti-terrorism compliance.

“We are pleased that this milestone will reduce security-related requirements and associated costs for vessels operating between our two countries. It will also improve turnaround times and schedule reliability. The United States values its maritime and economic partnerships with Nigeria and looks forward to continued collaboration promoting secure, efficient, and mutually beneficial trade between our nations.

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“We appreciate the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency’s years-long collaboration with the U.S. Coast Guard and its continued commitment to addressing the current high threat environment. Please accept my sincere congratulations on this significant accomplishment.”

Reacting to the development, Oyetola attributed the achievement to the leadership and strategic support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, particularly the administration’s decision to make the marine and blue economy a major component of its economic transformation agenda.

The Minister described the removal of the Condition of Entry as a significant milestone for Nigeria’s maritime industry and an indication of the progress made in strengthening security standards and regulatory compliance.

He also highlighted the role of sustained engagement between Nigeria and international maritime partners, noting that the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency has been central to the long-running cooperation with the U.S. Coast Guard.

“With the Condition of Entry now removed, Nigerian ports are better positioned to compete for international shipping business, while shipping lines operating between Nigeria and the United States stand to benefit from lower security-related costs, fewer procedural burdens, improved turnaround times and greater schedule reliability,” Oyetola added.