FG confirms US lifting of 12-year condition of entry on Nigerian vessels

In a landmark development for the nation’s maritime sector, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, has announced that the United States Coast Guard (USCG) has officially lifted the Condition of Entry (CoE) imposed on vessels entering the U.S. from Nigeria.

The decision ends a 12-year regime of enhanced security requirements first enforced on June 25, 2014. Under the restriction, any vessel bound for the United States that had called at designated Nigerian ports within its previous five port calls faced rigorous security protocols and delays.

Announcing the breakthrough, Oyetola credited the success to sustained regulatory oversight, institutional collaboration, and the efforts of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) alongside key industry stakeholders. He highlighted that the USCG reached this decision following four comprehensive assessments of Nigeria’s national maritime security framework conducted between March 2024 and April 2026.

“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 stated. “We are committed to sustaining this momentum and ensuring that Nigeria remains a safe, secure and competitive destination for international shipping.”

The Minister also commended the Director-General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, and his team, noting that the historic outcome highlights the positive impact of effective regulation, stakeholder alignment, and continuous investment in maritime safety infrastructure.

For over a decade, shipowners faced elevated operational expenses, insurance surcharges, lengthy documentation, and turnaround delays due to the CoE. The removal of these barriers is set to boost port competitiveness, improve schedule reliability, and lower freight costs for U.S.-bound vessels operating in Nigerian waters.

Industry experts anticipate that the improved security standing will make Nigerian ports significantly more attractive to global shipping lines, boosting trade volume, port revenues, and economic opportunities across the maritime supply chain.

Reflecting on the broader economic implications, Oyetola reaffirmed the Federal Government’s resolve to build a world-class maritime domain.

“The significance of this development 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,” he added.