By Seun Ibiyemi
The United States Coast Guard (USCG) has lifted the Condition of Entry (CoE) imposed on vessels arriving in the United States from Nigeria, ending a 12-year regime of enhanced security requirements for ships calling at Nigerian ports.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, announced the development, describing it as a major breakthrough for Nigeria’s maritime sector and a significant boost to the competitiveness of the country’s ports.
The Condition of Entry, which took effect on June 25, 2014, 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.
Oyetola said the lifting of the restriction affirmed the progress made by Nigeria in strengthening its maritime security architecture and implementing the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code across the country’s ports and maritime facilities.
He attributed the achievement to sustained efforts by the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, through the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), in collaboration with relevant government agencies, port operators, terminal and facility operators, shipping companies and other industry stakeholders.
According to him, the coordinated efforts focused on strengthening Nigeria’s maritime security framework, addressing identified deficiencies and demonstrating sustained compliance with international maritime security standards.
Over the past two years, the US Coast Guard conducted four comprehensive assessments of 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.
The results of the assessments, according to the ministry, demonstrated significant improvements in Nigeria’s maritime security performance and implementation of the ISPS Code, ultimately paving the way for the removal of the Condition of Entry.
Oyetola described the development as a major milestone for the country’s maritime industry, noting that it reflected the impact of sustained regulatory oversight, institutional collaboration and NIMASA’s efforts to strengthen maritime security.
“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,” the minister said.
He added that the government was committed to sustaining the improvements and ensuring that Nigeria remained a safe, secure and competitive destination for international shipping.
The minister also commended the Director-General of NIMASA, Dr Dayo Mobereola, and his team for their contribution to the achievement.
He said the development demonstrated the positive impact of effective regulation, stakeholder collaboration and sustained investment in maritime security.
Beyond security, Oyetola said the lifting of the restriction could improve the competitiveness and efficiency of Nigerian ports and strengthen the country’s position in the global maritime economy.
The removal of the CoE is expected to facilitate faster vessel turnaround and improve schedule reliability by reducing costs associated with additional documentation, inspections, security measures and entry-related delays.
It is also expected to make Nigerian ports more attractive to international shipping lines, potentially increasing shipping activity, trade and investment while creating employment opportunities and boosting port revenues.
READ ALSO:EFCC recovers N4.48bn AGO in Lagos over alleged product theft
For more than a decade, vessels trading between Nigeria and the United States were subjected to additional security and operational requirements under the CoE.
The measures resulted in increased security and operating costs, additional inspections and documentation, delays in vessel turnaround, as well as higher freight and insurance costs for shipping operators.
The restrictions also raised concerns about the competitiveness of Nigerian ports and their perception within the international shipping community.
With the lifting of the CoE, vessels calling at Nigerian ports before proceeding to the United States will no longer be subjected to the additional US Coast Guard security requirements imposed specifically under the restriction.
The development marks a significant improvement in Nigeria’s maritime standing and could enhance the country’s ability to compete for international shipping and trade flows.
