US Lifts 12-Year Restriction on Vessels Calling at Nigerian Ports
The United States Coast Guard (USCG) has lifted a 12-year Condition of Entry (CoE) imposed on vessels calling at designated Nigerian ports before proceeding to the United States.
The development, announced on Tuesday by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), brings an end to additional security requirements imposed on affected vessels since June 25, 2014.
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, described the decision as a significant milestone for Nigeria’s maritime sector and an indication of the progress made by the country in strengthening maritime security and implementing 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.
He assured that the Federal Government would sustain efforts to ensure that Nigeria remains a safe, secure and competitive destination for international shipping.
NIMASA explained that the CoE required vessels destined for the United States that had called at designated Nigerian ports within their previous five port calls to undergo additional security measures and enhanced scrutiny before entering US waters.
According to the agency, the restriction was lifted following four comprehensive assessments conducted by the USCG on Nigeria’s maritime security framework and port facilities between March 2024 and April 2026.
The assessments were conducted from March 11 to 13 and April 15 to 19 in 2024, March 15 to 21 in 2025, and April 13 to 17 in 2026.
NIMASA said the assessments demonstrated significant progress in Nigeria’s maritime security performance and implementation of the ISPS Code.
Oyetola attributed the development to the concerted efforts of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, NIMASA, other government agencies, port operators, terminal and facility operators, shipping companies and other stakeholders in the maritime sector.
He said the stakeholders had worked together to strengthen Nigeria’s maritime security framework, address identified gaps and demonstrate sustained compliance with internationally accepted maritime security standards.
The minister also commended NIMASA Director-General, Dayo Mobereola, and his team for their contributions towards securing the lifting of the restriction.
NIMASA said the removal of the CoE could improve vessel turnaround time and schedule reliability by eliminating the additional security requirements previously imposed on vessels under the restriction.
The agency added that the development could reduce costs associated with additional documentation, inspections, security measures and entry-related delays.
According to NIMASA, the lifting of the restriction could also make Nigerian ports more attractive to international shipping lines and encourage increased shipping activity.
It said the development had the potential to contribute to increased trade, investment, employment opportunities and port revenues.
Oyetola said the significance of the decision extends beyond maritime security, noting that it could enhance the competitiveness and efficiency of Nigerian ports while strengthening Nigeria’s position within the global maritime economy.
Under the new development, NIMASA said vessels calling at Nigerian ports and subsequently proceeding to the United States would no longer be subjected to the additional USCG security requirements imposed specifically under the Condition of Entry.