Photo: Adegboyega Oyetola
By Mandy Park
The United States Coast Guard (USCG) has lifted a 12-year Condition of Entry (CoE) imposed on vessels calling at Nigerian ports before proceeding to the United States.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, announced the development on Tuesday, describing it as a major milestone for Nigeria’s maritime sector.
The restriction, introduced in June 2014, required vessels 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.
According to the Federal Government, the lifting of the restriction followed significant improvements in Nigeria’s maritime security and compliance with the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code.
The US Coast Guard conducted four assessments of Nigeria’s maritime security framework and port facilities between March 2024 and April 2026. The assessments reportedly showed substantial progress, leading to the removal of the CoE.
Oyetola said the development would improve Nigeria’s port competitiveness, enhance vessel turnaround time and schedule reliability, reduce operational costs and strengthen the country’s position in the global maritime economy.
He commended the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), government agencies, port operators, terminal operators, shipping companies and other stakeholders for their efforts in achieving the development.
The minister pledged that the Federal Government would sustain efforts to keep Nigerian ports safe, secure and competitive for international shipping.
