US Coast Guard Lifts 10-Year Condition of Entry on Vessels From Nigeria

The United States Coast Guard has lifted a decade-long Condition of Entry (CoE) imposed on vessels arriving from Nigerian ports. The advisory, which took effect on June 25, 2014, required additional security measures and enhanced scrutiny for ships that had called at designated Nigerian ports within their previous five calls. The U.S. had initially imposed these conditions, citing Nigeria's insufficient antiterrorism measures at its ports.

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Based on recent assessments, the U.S. Coast Guard has determined that Nigeria is maintaining effective antiterrorism measures in its ports.

This removal, effective Wednesday, signals a significant improvement in Nigeria's port security. The U.S. Coast Guard stated that recent assessments confirmed Nigeria is now maintaining effective antiterrorism measures. This decision is a strong affirmation of Nigeria's progress in bolstering its maritime security architecture and implementing the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code across its ports and maritime facilities.

Nigeria's Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, welcomed the development. He attributed the achievement to the Federal Government's sustained efforts, particularly through the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), in collaboration with various stakeholders. These coordinated efforts aimed to strengthen the maritime security framework, address identified gaps, and demonstrate compliance with international standards.

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the development followed the Federal Government’s efforts to strengthen maritime security, improve port competitiveness and enhance Nigeria’s standing in the global maritime industry.

Oyetola noted that the U.S. Coast Guard conducted four comprehensive assessments of Nigeria's national maritime security framework and port facilities between March 2024 and April 2026. The positive results from these assessments demonstrated significant progress, ultimately leading to the lifting of the Condition of Entry. The minister emphasized that this move enhances Nigeria's standing in the global maritime industry.

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lifting the restriction was a strong affirmation of Nigeria’s progress in strengthening its maritime security architecture and implementing the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code across the country’s ports and maritime facilities.