The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, has announced the decision by the United States Coast Guard (USCG) to lift the Condition of Entry (CoE) imposed on vessels arriving in the United States from Nigeria.

The CoE, which took effect on June 25, 2014, required vessels destined for the United States that had called at designated Nigerian ports within their previous five port calls to undergo additional security measures and enhanced scrutiny before gaining access to U.S. waters.

Oyetola who announced the development on Tuesday, said it brings to an end a 12-year regime of enhanced security requirements on vessels calling at Nigerian ports before entering the United States.

In a statement signed by the Deputy Director/Head Public Relations, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Osagie Edward, the Minister said the development also marks a significant milestone in the Federal Government’s efforts to strengthen maritime security, improve port competitiveness and enhance Nigeria’s standing in the global maritime industry.

Oyetola said the lifting of the restriction was a strong affirmation of the progress made by Nigeria 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.

He attributed the achievement to sustained efforts by the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, through the NIMASA, in collaboration with relevant government agencies, port operators, terminal and facility operators, shipping companies and other stakeholders.

According to the Minister, the coordinated efforts were aimed at strengthening8 Nigeria’s maritime security framework, addressing identified gaps and demonstrating sustained compliance with internationally accepted maritime security standards.

He said over the past two years, the United States Coast Guard conducted four comprehensive assessments of Nigeria’s national maritime security framework and port facilities.

Oyetola said the assessments were carried out from March 11–13, 2024; April 15–19, 2024; March 15–21, 2025; and April 13–17, 2026.
The results of the assessments, the Minister said, demonstrated significant progress in Nigeria’s maritime security performance and implementation of the ISPS Code, ultimately leading to the lifting of the Condition of Entry.

For over a decade, vessels trading between Nigeria and the United States were subjected to additional security and operational requirements as a result of the CoE.
These measures had implications for shipping operators, including increased security and operating costs, additional inspections and documentation, delays in vessel turnaround, and higher freight and insurance costs.

The restrictions also raised broader concerns about the competitiveness of Nigerian ports and their perception within the international shipping community.

With the lifting of the CoE, vessels calling at Nigerian ports and subsequently proceeding to the United States will no longer be subjected to the additional USCG security requirements imposed specifically under the restriction.

Oyetola noted that this development reflects the impact of sustained regulatory oversight, institutional collaboration and NIMASA’s commitment to strengthening maritime security.
The Minister commended the Director-General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, and his team for their contribution to the achievement, describing the lifting of the restriction as evidence of the positive impact of effective regulation, stakeholder collaboration and sustained investment in maritime security.

Oyetola noted that the significance of the 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.

The Minister said the lifting of the CoE is expected to facilitate faster vessel turnaround and improve schedule reliability, while reducing costs associated with additional documentation, inspections, security measures and entry-related delays.

He said it is also expected to make Nigerian ports more attractive to international shipping lines, encourage increased shipping activity and contribute to greater trade, investment, employment opportunities and port revenues.
“We are committed to sustaining this momentum and ensuring that Nigeria remains a safe, secure and competitive destination for international shipping,” he stated.