Nigeria’s maritime industry has received a major boost after the United States Coast Guard, USCG, lifted the Condition of Entry, CoE, previously imposed on vessels arriving in the United States from Nigeria.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, described the development as a major milestone in the Federal Government’s efforts to strengthen maritime security and improve the competitiveness of Nigerian ports.
The restriction had been in place since June 25, 2014. It required vessels heading to the United States to undergo additional security checks if they had called at designated Nigerian ports among their previous five port calls.
According to Oyetola, the removal of the restriction reflects improvements in Nigeria’s maritime security system and the country’s implementation of the International Ship and Port Facility Security, ISPS, Code.
He said the progress followed sustained efforts by the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy through the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, working alongside government agencies, port and terminal operators, shipping companies and other industry stakeholders.
The US Coast Guard conducted four assessments of Nigeria’s maritime security framework and port facilities over the past two years.
The assessments were carried out between March 11 and 13, 2024; April 15 and 19, 2024; March 15 and 21, 2025; and April 13 and 17, 2026.
The assessments reportedly showed significant improvements in Nigeria’s maritime security performance and implementation of the ISPS Code.
“The lifting of the Conditions 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,” Oyetola said.
He also praised NIMASA Director-General Dayo Mobereola and his team for their contribution to the development.
The minister said the decision demonstrates the importance of effective regulation, cooperation among industry stakeholders and sustained investment in maritime security.
The lifting of the CoE is also expected to have economic benefits for Nigeria’s maritime industry.
According to Oyetola, removing the additional security requirements could improve vessel turnaround times and shipping schedule reliability while reducing costs associated with additional documentation, inspections, security arrangements and delays.
The development could also make Nigerian ports more attractive to international shipping companies, potentially supporting higher trade volumes, investment, employment and government revenue.
For more than a decade, vessels calling at Nigerian ports before proceeding to the United States had faced additional security and operational requirements under the CoE.
With the restriction now removed, vessels calling at Nigerian ports will no longer face the additional USCG security requirements specifically imposed under the previous Condition of Entry.
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