The United States has removed a security restriction that had been placed on ships arriving from Nigeria for over a decade, in a development the Nigerian government says will cut costs and reduce delays for vessels using its ports.
Nigeria's Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, announced that the US Coast Guard (USCG) had lifted the Condition of Entry (CoE) that was first imposed in June 2014. Under that restriction, any vessel that had docked at designated Nigerian ports within its previous five port calls was required to meet additional security and documentation requirements before being allowed into US waters, according to Punch.
Why the US Lifted the Restriction
Oyetola said the decision came after Nigeria made sustained efforts to meet international maritime security standards, particularly through the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA). The country's compliance with the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code was central to the case made to US authorities, the Cable reports.
The USCG carried out four separate assessments of Nigeria's maritime security setup and port facilities: in March 2024, April 2024, March 2025, and April 2026. The government said each review recorded measurable progress.
Oyetola stated: "The lifting of the Conditions of Entry is a major milestone for Nigeria's maritime sector." He called it proof of the country's progress in maritime security and ISPS Code implementation.
What It Means for Nigerian Ports
For more than a decade, shipping companies whose vessels had previously called at Nigerian ports bore additional operational costs when heading to the United States, including extra inspections and paperwork. With the CoE now removed, those requirements no longer apply.
The minister said the change is expected to improve vessel turnaround times, make shipping schedules more reliable, and lower the overall cost of doing business through Nigerian ports. The government also believes the move will make Nigerian ports more attractive to international shipping lines, with potential benefits for trade volumes, investment, employment, and port revenues.
Oyetola commended NIMASA Director-General Dayo Mobereola and his team for their role in satisfying the USCG's security requirements. He added that Nigeria would continue to raise its maritime security standards as it works to grow the role of its ports in global trade.
