The United States Coast Guard has lifted a 12 year Condition of Entry imposed on vessels calling at designated Nigerian ports before sailing to the United States, removing additional security requirements that had applied since June 2014, as reported by Reuters and BusinessDay. Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, described the decision as a major milestone for the country’s maritime industry.
The restriction required US bound vessels that had called at designated Nigerian ports within their previous five port calls to undergo enhanced security measures, inspections and scrutiny before entering US waters. The Coast Guard had cited shortcomings in Nigeria’s maritime security framework, including port access controls and cargo handling procedures.
The reversal follows four comprehensive US assessments conducted between March 2024 and April 2026, which found significant improvements in Nigeria’s maritime security and implementation of the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code. The government credited the progress to efforts by the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, NIMASA, port operators, terminal operators, shipping companies and other stakeholders.
The removal of the restriction could lower shipping costs, reduce delays and improve vessel turnaround times for ships moving between Nigeria and the United States. It is also expected to strengthen the competitiveness of Nigerian ports, potentially attract more international shipping activity and support greater trade, investment and port revenues.
