Coast Guard decision removes extra security checks for vessels sailing from designated Nigerian ports to the United States….
The United States Coast Guard (USCG) has removed a 12-year security restriction on vessels calling at designated Nigerian ports before travelling to the United States, in a development the Federal Government says could boost the competitiveness of Nigeria’s maritime industry.
The restriction, known as a Condition of Entry (CoE), had been in place since June 25, 2014, requiring certain vessels that had visited Nigerian ports to undergo additional security measures and scrutiny before being allowed to enter US waters.
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) announced the development on Tuesday, describing the decision as a major recognition of improvements in Nigeria’s maritime security system.
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, said the lifting of the restriction demonstrated Nigeria’s progress in strengthening security at its ports and complying with 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 added that the government would continue working to ensure that Nigerian waters and ports remain secure while making the country a more attractive destination for international shipping.
Under the CoE, vessels heading to the United States that had visited designated Nigerian ports during their previous five port calls were subjected to additional security procedures.
The measures included enhanced scrutiny before the vessels could enter US waters.
According to NIMASA, the USCG eventually decided to remove the restriction following a series of assessments of Nigeria’s maritime security framework and port facilities.
The assessments were conducted during four separate visits between March 2024 and April 2026.
NIMASA said the inspections took place in March and April 2024, March 2025 and April 2026, with the US team assessing Nigeria’s implementation of maritime security standards and the ISPS Code.
The agency said the assessments showed significant improvements in Nigeria’s maritime security performance and demonstrated sustained progress in implementing international security requirements.
Oyetola attributed the development to the combined efforts of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, NIMASA, other government agencies and private-sector stakeholders across the maritime industry.
Port and terminal operators, shipping companies and facility operators were also recognised for their role in improving security standards and addressing gaps identified during previous assessments.
The minister commended NIMASA Director-General Dayo Mobereola and his team for their contribution to securing the removal of the restriction.
According to Oyetola, the coordinated efforts were aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s maritime security architecture and demonstrating the country’s continued compliance with internationally recognised standards.
NIMASA said the removal of the CoE could have a direct impact on the efficiency and cost of shipping operations involving Nigerian ports.
Vessels travelling from Nigeria to the US will no longer face the additional security requirements specifically imposed under the restriction.
The agency expects the change to improve vessel turnaround times and make shipping schedules more predictable by eliminating some of the additional procedures previously required.
It could also reduce expenses associated with extra documentation, inspections and security measures, as well as costs arising from delays at the point of entry.
NIMASA believes the development could make Nigerian ports more appealing to international shipping companies and potentially encourage greater shipping activity.
The agency said improved efficiency at Nigerian ports could have wider economic implications, including increased trade, investment, employment and government revenue from port activities.
For Oyetola, the significance of the decision extends beyond the immediate removal of a maritime security requirement.
He said the development could strengthen the competitiveness and efficiency of Nigerian ports while improving the country’s position in the global maritime economy.
The removal of the restriction also represents a significant shift from the situation that prevailed for more than a decade, when vessels calling at affected Nigerian ports faced additional US security requirements before proceeding to American waters.
With the CoE now lifted, NIMASA said vessels visiting Nigerian ports and subsequently travelling to the United States will no longer be subjected to those additional measures imposed specifically under the 2014 restriction.
