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US lifts 12-year entry restriction on Nigerian vessels
🇳🇬 Nigeria /Economy & Trade

US lifts 12-year entry restriction on Nigerian vessels

From Vanguard · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Outcome reported
  • The United States Coast Guard has lifted a 12-year entry restriction on vessels arriving from Nigeria.
  • This decision follows Nigeria's sustained efforts to enhance maritime security and comply with international standards.
  • The lifting of the restriction is seen as a major milestone for Nigeria's maritime sector, improving its global standing.

The United States Coast Guard (USCG) has officially ended a 12-year security regime imposed on vessels arriving in the U.S. from Nigeria. This significant development, announced by Nigeria's Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, marks a major milestone in the nation's maritime security efforts.

The Condition of Entry (CoE), implemented on June 25, 2014, mandated enhanced security measures and scrutiny for ships that had called at designated Nigerian ports within their preceding five port calls. Its removal is attributed to the persistent efforts of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, through the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), in collaboration with various government agencies, port operators, and shipping companies.

The lifting of the Condition 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.

— Dr. Adegboyega OyetolaMinister of Marine and Blue Economy, describing the significance of the US decision.

These collaborative efforts focused on bolstering Nigeria's maritime security framework, addressing identified vulnerabilities, and ensuring adherence to internationally recognized security standards. Over the past two years, the USCG conducted four comprehensive assessments of Nigeria's maritime security infrastructure and port facilities, with the latest evaluations taking place in March and April 2024, March 2025, and April 2026.

Minister Oyetola stated that these assessments confirmed significant advancements in Nigeria's maritime security performance and the effective implementation of the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code. He described the lifting of the restriction as a "strong affirmation of the progress we have made" and expressed commitment to maintaining this momentum. The Minister also commended NIMASA's Director-General, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, and his team for their role in achieving this outcome, highlighting the impact of effective regulation, stakeholder collaboration, and sustained investment in maritime security.

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

— Dr. Adegboyega OyetolaMinister of Marine and Blue Economy, outlining future commitments.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Vanguard. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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