US Lifts 12-Year Entry Restriction on Nigerian Vessels

The United States Coast Guard has lifted a 12-year Condition of Entry (CoE) imposed on vessels arriving in the United States from Nigeria, in what the Federal Government described as a major boost for the country’s maritime sector.

The restriction, introduced in June 2014, required vessels that had recently called at designated Nigerian ports to undergo additional security measures and enhanced scrutiny before entering US waters.

Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, announced the development on Tuesday, describing it as an important recognition of the progress Nigeria has made in strengthening maritime security and complying with international standards.

The decision followed four assessments conducted by the US Coast Guard between March 2024 and April 2026. According to the Federal Government, the assessments found significant improvements in Nigeria’s maritime security framework and implementation of the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code.

The lifting of the restriction is expected to have a positive impact on Nigeria’s shipping industry. With vessels no longer subject to the additional security requirements associated with the CoE, authorities expect improvements in port competitiveness, vessel turnaround times and schedule reliability, while reducing costs associated with shipping operations.

Oyetola credited the development to sustained collaboration between the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), port operators, terminal and facility managers, shipping companies and other stakeholders.

He described the removal of the restriction as a strong affirmation of Nigeria’s efforts to improve security at its ports and facilities and strengthen the country’s position in the international maritime economy.

The development is particularly significant because the US Coast Guard had previously worked with NIMASA on a multi-year process aimed at improving Nigeria’s compliance with international port security standards and eventually removing the Condition of Entry.

For Nigeria’s maritime industry, the end of the 12-year restriction could help make the country’s ports more attractive to international shipping operators and improve the efficiency of trade between Nigeria and the United States.

The Federal Government has said it will maintain the momentum and continue working to ensure that Nigeria remains a safe, secure and competitive destination for international shipping.