The United States Coast Guard (USCG) has lifted a 12-year Condition of Entry (CoE) imposed on vessels calling at designated Nigerian ports before proceeding to the United States.
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) announced the development on Tuesday, saying the decision ends additional security requirements imposed on affected vessels since June 25, 2014.
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, described the decision as a major milestone for Nigeria’s maritime sector and an indication of the progress made in strengthening maritime security and implementing the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code.
“The lifting of the Conditions of Entry is a major milestone for Nigeria’s maritime sector,” Oyetola said.
He assured that the government would continue working to keep Nigeria a safe, secure and competitive destination for international shipping.
The CoE had required vessels heading to the US 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.
NIMASA said the restriction was lifted after four comprehensive USCG assessments of Nigeria’s maritime security framework and port facilities between March 2024 and April 2026.
The assessments were conducted between March 11–13 and April 15–19 in 2024, March 15–21 in 2025, and April 13–17 in 2026. According to NIMASA, the assessments showed significant improvements in Nigeria’s maritime security performance and implementation of the ISPS Code.
Oyetola attributed the development to the combined efforts of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, NIMASA, other government agencies, port operators, terminal and facility operators, shipping companies and other stakeholders.
He said the stakeholders worked to strengthen Nigeria’s maritime security framework, address identified gaps and maintain compliance with international maritime security standards.
The minister also commended NIMASA Director-General Dayo Mobereola and his team for their role in achieving the lifting of the restriction.
NIMASA said the removal of the CoE could improve vessel turnaround times and schedule reliability by eliminating the additional security requirements previously imposed on ships under the restriction.
The agency also expects the move to reduce costs linked to additional documentation, inspections, security measures and entry-related delays.
According to NIMASA, the development could make Nigerian ports more attractive to international shipping lines and encourage increased shipping activity, with potential benefits including higher trade, investment, employment opportunities and port revenues.
Oyetola said the decision goes beyond maritime security, noting that it could improve the competitiveness and efficiency of Nigerian ports while strengthening Nigeria’s position in the global maritime economy.
Going forward, vessels that call at Nigerian ports before proceeding to the US will no longer be subjected to the additional USCG security requirements specifically imposed under the CoE.
Source: NIMASA
