US coast guard lifts 12-year entry restriction on US-bound ships from Nigeria

The United States Coast Guard has lifted a 12-year Condition of Entry for vessels entering the United States from Nigeria, the Federal Government announced. Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, revealed the news on Tuesday via his X handle. The Condition of Entry, implemented in June 2014, mandated additional security measures and heightened scrutiny for ships docking at Nigerian ports before transiting to the United States.

Over the last two years, the Coast Guard executed four extensive evaluations of Nigeria's maritime security framework and port facilities between March 2024 and April 2026. The assessments indicated substantial advancements in Nigeria's maritime security performance and compliance with the ISPS Code, culminating in the CoE's repeal.

Oyetola hailed the milestone as a testament to Nigeria's progress in fortifying maritime security and adhering to international standards, attributing it to the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, and other collaborators. He emphasized the benefits for port competitiveness, vessel turnaround, schedule reliability, cost reduction, and Nigeria's standing in the global maritime economy.

NIMASA reported that the CoE lifting would further bolster these aspects, boost port competitiveness, and improve vessel turnaround and scheduling. Oyetola praised NIMASA Director-General Dayo Mobereola and other stakeholders for their contributions to the achievement.