The United States Coast Guard, USCG, has lifted the Condition of Entry, CoE, imposed on vessels arriving in the United States from Nigeria, ending a 12-year period of enhanced security requirements for ships calling at Nigerian ports.
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, announced the development and described it as a major achievement in Nigeria’s efforts to improve maritime security, strengthen port competitiveness and enhance its position in the global maritime industry.
The Condition of Entry, introduced on June 25, 2014, required vessels heading to the United States that had visited designated Nigerian ports within their previous five port calls to undergo additional security checks and enhanced scrutiny before entering U.S. waters.
Oyetola attributed the removal of the restriction to sustained efforts by the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, through the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, working with government agencies, port and terminal operators, shipping companies and other stakeholders.
He said the efforts focused on improving Nigeria’s maritime security system, closing identified gaps and ensuring compliance with internationally recognised security standards.
The United States Coast Guard carried out four comprehensive assessments of Nigeria’s national maritime security framework and port facilities over the past two years.
The assessments were conducted in March and April 2024, March 2025 and April 2026.
According to Oyetola, the assessments showed significant improvements in Nigeria’s maritime security performance and its implementation of the International Ship and Port Facility Security, ISPS, Code.
He said the progress ultimately paved the way for the lifting of the Condition of Entry.
Oyetola described the development as an important milestone for Nigeria’s maritime industry and said it demonstrated the country’s progress in strengthening security and implementing the ISPS Code across its ports and facilities.
The minister also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to maintaining the improvements and ensuring that Nigeria remains a safe, secure and competitive destination for international shipping.
He commended the Director-General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, and his team, saying the development highlighted the importance of effective regulation, cooperation among stakeholders and sustained investment in maritime security.
