The Federal Government has announced a major breakthrough in Nigeria’s maritime sector following the decision by the United States Coast Guard (USCG) to lift the Condition of Entry (CoE) imposed on vessels arriving in the United States after calling at Nigerian ports.
The development effectively ends a 12-year regime of enhanced security requirements for vessels trading between Nigeria and the United States, marking a significant milestone in the government’s efforts to strengthen maritime security, improve port competitiveness and restore confidence in Nigeria’s shipping industry.
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, announced the development, describing it as a strong endorsement of Nigeria’s progress in strengthening its maritime security architecture and implementing the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code across its ports and maritime facilities.
The Condition of Entry, which came into effect on June 25, 2014, required vessels destined for the United States that had called at designated Nigerian ports within their previous five port calls to undergo additional security measures and enhanced scrutiny before entering U.S. waters.
According to Oyetola, the lifting of the restriction followed sustained efforts by the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, through the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), in collaboration with relevant government agencies, port operators, terminal and facility operators, shipping companies and other industry stakeholders.
He said the coordinated efforts focused on strengthening Nigeria’s maritime security framework, addressing identified gaps and demonstrating sustained compliance with internationally recognised maritime security standards.
Over the past two years, the US Coast Guard conducted four comprehensive assessments of Nigeria’s national maritime security framework and port facilities.
The assessments were carried out between March 11–13 and April 15–19, 2024; March 15–21, 2025; and April 13–17, 2026.
The results, according to the Minister, demonstrated significant improvements in Nigeria’s maritime security performance and implementation of the ISPS Code, ultimately paving the way for the removal of the Condition of Entry.
Oyetola described the development as a major milestone for the Nigerian maritime sector, saying it demonstrates the impact of sustained regulatory oversight, institutional collaboration and investment in maritime security.
“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 added that the government would sustain the momentum to ensure Nigeria remains a safe, secure and competitive destination for international shipping.
The Minister also commended NIMASA Director-General, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, and his team for their contributions to the achievement, noting that the development underscores the positive impact of effective regulation, stakeholder collaboration and sustained investment in maritime security.
Beyond security, Oyetola said the lifting of the restriction could significantly improve the competitiveness and efficiency of Nigerian ports and strengthen the country’s position in the global maritime economy.
The development is expected to facilitate faster vessel turnaround, improve schedule reliability and reduce costs associated with additional documentation, inspections, security measures and entry-related delays.
It could also make Nigerian ports more attractive to international shipping lines, potentially stimulate increased shipping activity and contribute to higher trade volumes, investment, employment opportunities and port revenues.
For more than a decade, vessels trading between Nigeria and the United States had faced additional security and operational requirements under the CoE. The measures contributed to increased security and operating costs, additional inspections and documentation, vessel delays, and higher freight and insurance expenses.
The restrictions also generated concerns over the competitiveness of Nigerian ports and their perception within the international shipping community.
With the lifting of the Condition of Entry, vessels calling at Nigerian ports before proceeding to the United States will no longer be subjected to the additional USCG security requirements imposed specifically under the restriction.
The development is being viewed as a significant boost to Nigeria’s maritime reputation and a major step towards positioning the country as a more secure, efficient and competitive hub for international shipping.
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