US LIFTS 12-YEAR CONDITION OF ENTRY RESTRICTION ON NIGERIAN PORTS
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By: Fasasi Hammad
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 period 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 milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to improve maritime security, strengthen port competitiveness and enhance the country’s position in the global maritime industry.
The Condition of Entry, which came into effect on June 25, 2014, required vessels heading to the United States that had visited designated Nigerian ports within their previous five port calls to undergo additional security measures and enhanced scrutiny before entering US waters.
Oyetola attributed the lifting of the restriction to sustained efforts by the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, through the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), in collaboration with government agencies, port and terminal operators, shipping companies and other stakeholders.
He said the efforts focused on strengthening Nigeria’s maritime security framework, addressing identified deficiencies and ensuring compliance with internationally recognised 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 in March and April 2024, March 2025 and April 2026.
According to the minister, the assessments recorded significant improvements in Nigeria’s maritime security performance and implementation of the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code, leading to the removal of the restriction.
Oyetola described the development as a strong affirmation of Nigeria’s progress in improving maritime security and implementing the ISPS Code across its ports and facilities.
He assured that the Federal Government would sustain the reforms to ensure Nigeria remains a safe, secure and competitive destination for international shipping.
The minister also commended NIMASA Director-General, Dr Dayo Mobereola, and his team, noting that the development demonstrated the impact of effective regulation, stakeholder cooperation and sustained investment in maritime security.
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