US Coast Guard Lifts 12-Year Entry Restriction on US-Bound Ships From Nigeria

The United States Coast Guard has lifted the 12-year Condition of Entry imposed on vessels arriving in the United States from Nigeria, the Federal Government has announced.

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr Adegboyega Oyetola, announced the development on Tuesday in a statement posted on his X handle.

The Condition of Entry, imposed in June 2014, required vessels calling at designated Nigerian ports before proceeding to the United States to undergo additional security measures and enhanced scrutiny.

The decision followed four comprehensive assessments conducted by the US Coast Guard over the past two years to evaluate Nigeria’s national maritime security framework and port facilities.

The assessments were carried out between March 11 and 13, 2024; April 15 and 19, 2024; March 15 and 21, 2025; and April 13 and 17, 2026.

According to the Federal Government, the assessments demonstrated significant progress in Nigeria’s maritime security performance and implementation of the ISPS Code, leading to the lifting of the restriction.

Oyetola described the development as a major milestone for Nigeria’s maritime sector and an affirmation of the progress made in strengthening security across the country’s ports and facilities.

He said the decision followed sustained efforts by the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and other stakeholders to improve maritime security and ensure compliance with international standards.

The minister said the development would enhance port competitiveness, improve vessel turnaround and schedule reliability, reduce costs and strengthen Nigeria’s position in the global maritime economy.

Oyetola commended NIMASA Director-General, Dayo Mobereola, and other stakeholders for their contributions to the achievement.

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency also said the lifting of the restriction was expected to reduce additional security-related costs associated with vessels travelling from Nigerian ports to the United States.

The development is expected to improve Nigeria’s attractiveness as a destination for international shipping and further strengthen confidence in the country’s maritime security standards.