The United States Coast Guard has lifted the 12-year Condition of Entry imposed on vessels arriving in the United States from Nigeria, the Federal Government has announced.
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, said the development marked a major milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to improve maritime security and strengthen the competitiveness of its ports.
The Condition of Entry, introduced on June 25, 2014, subjected vessels that had called at designated Nigerian ports within their previous five port calls to additional security requirements before entering US waters.
Oyetola attributed the lifting of the restriction to sustained improvements in Nigeria’s maritime security architecture and implementation of the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code.
The US Coast Guard conducted four assessments of Nigeria’s maritime security framework and port facilities between 2024 and 2026.
The assessments were carried out in March and April 2024, March 2025 and April 2026.
According to the minister, the assessments showed significant improvements in Nigeria’s compliance with international maritime security standards.
“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 commended the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, port operators, terminal and facility operators, shipping companies and other stakeholders for their contributions.
Oyetola said the lifting of the restriction would improve vessel turnaround, reduce delays and associated security costs and make Nigerian ports more attractive to international shipping lines.
“We are committed to sustaining this momentum and ensuring that Nigeria remains a safe, secure and competitive destination for international shipping,” he said.
The minister also commended NIMASA Director-General, Dr Dayo Mobereola, and his team for their contribution to the achievement.
The Federal Government expects the development to boost trade, investment, employment and port revenues while strengthening Nigeria’s position in the global maritime economy.
© 2026, Standard Focus. All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from STANDARD FOCUS.