The United States Coast Guard (USCG) has lifted a 12-year condition of entry (CoE) imposed on vessels calling at designated Nigerian ports before proceeding to the US.
In a statement on Tuesday, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) said the decision ends additional security requirements imposed on affected vessels since June 25, 2014.
Adegboyega Oyetola, minister of marine and blue economy, said the decision affirms Nigeria’s progress in strengthening maritime security and implementing 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. It is a strong affirmation of the progress we have made in strengthening maritime security and implementing the ISPS Code across our ports and facilities,” Oyetola said.
He said the government would sustain efforts to ensure Nigeria remains a safe, secure, and competitive destination for international shipping.
NIMASA said the CoE required vessels destined for the US 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.
The agency said the restriction was lifted after four comprehensive USCG assessments of Nigeria’s maritime security framework and port facilities between March 2024 and April 2026.
NIMASA said the assessments were conducted from March 11 to March 13 and April 15 to April 19 in 2024; March 15 to March 21 in 2025; and April 13 to April 17 in 2026.
The agency said the assessments demonstrated significant progress in Nigeria’s maritime security performance and implementation of the ISPS Code.
Oyetola attributed the development to the efforts of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, NIMASA, other government agencies, port operators, terminal and facility operators, shipping companies, and other stakeholders.
He said the coordinated efforts were aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s maritime security framework, addressing identified gaps and demonstrating sustained compliance with internationally accepted maritime security standards.
The minister commended Dayo Mobereola, NIMASA director-general, and his team for their contribution to the lifting of the restriction.
NIMASA said the removal of the CoE could improve vessel turnaround and schedule reliability by eliminating the additional security requirements imposed specifically under the restriction.
The agency said the development could also reduce costs associated with additional documentation, inspections, security measures, and entry-related delays.
According to NIMASA, the decision could make Nigerian ports more attractive to international shipping lines and encourage increased shipping activity.
The agency said the development could contribute to greater trade, investment, employment opportunities, and port revenues.
Oyetola said the significance of the decision extends beyond maritime security, with the potential to improve the competitiveness and efficiency of Nigerian ports and strengthen Nigeria’s position within the global maritime economy.
NIMASA said vessels calling at Nigerian ports and subsequently proceeding to the US will no longer be subjected to the additional USCG security requirements imposed specifically under the CoE.