• Nigeria highlights U.S. military role in operational success

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, just as Nigeria highlights U.S. military role in operational success.

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 yesterday, said it ended 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 marked 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 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 are aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s maritime security framework, addressing identified gaps and demonstrating sustained compliance with internationally accepted maritime security standards.

HIGHLIGHTING the U.S. military’s technology role in operational success, the Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa, has emphasised the vital role of U.S. military technology, including advanced drone capabilities and satellite intelligence, in bolstering ongoing operational successes.

The minister emphasised the role when he paid a visit to the Nigerian Ambassador to the United States, Kayode Are, at the Embassy of Nigeria in Washington, D.C.

According to the Minister’s Special Adviser (Media), the strategic engagement was held on Monday, August 17, 2026, focusing on consolidating the longstanding bilateral defence alliance between Nigeria and the United States, particularly regarding counter-terrorism operations and the modernisation of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

Musa assured that all strategic engagements were conducted with complete fidelity to Nigeria’s national sovereignty.

Welcoming the minister, the ambassador commended the ongoing security sector reforms under the administration of President Bola Tinubu, and reaffirmed the Embassy’s commitment to facilitating necessary diplomatic channels to enhance technical training, intelligence sharing, and equipment support for the military.

Musa also used the opportunity to inspect the Embassy’s Defence Section, where he praised the efforts of the Defence Attaché, Air Commodore Valentine Oreaki, and his staff.