US lifts 12-year security restriction on ships from Nigerian ports

The United States Coast Guard has lifted a 12-year restriction on vessels arriving from Nigerian ports, ending heightened security requirements for ships calling at Nigerian waters. Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, announced the development, highlighting it as a major achievement in Nigeria's pursuit of enhanced maritime security, port competitiveness and international standing.

The restriction, implemented on June 25, 2014, required vessels that had visited Nigerian ports in their previous five calls to undergo additional security checks before entering US waters. Oyetola attributed the removal of the restriction to the efforts of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, NIMASA, and other stakeholders, who focused on improving Nigeria's maritime security, closing identified gaps and ensuring compliance with international standards.

The US Coast Guard conducted four detailed assessments of Nigeria's maritime security system and port facilities over the past two years, revealing significant improvements in Nigeria's maritime security operations and implementation of the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code. Oyetola described the development as a milestone for Nigeria's maritime industry, emphasizing the progress made in securing the country's ports and implementing global maritime security standards.

The Federal Government pledged to build on this achievement to maintain secure, reliable and attractive ports for international shipping.