Following the US Coast Guard’s (USCG) decision to remove the Condition of Entry (CoE) on ships arriving in the US from Nigeria, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, announced a significant development in Nigeria’s maritime industry.
The development represents a major turning point in the Federal Government’s efforts to improve port competitiveness, strengthen maritime security, and elevate Nigeria’s status in the international maritime industry. It also ends a 12-year regime of increased security requirements on vessels calling at Nigerian ports prior to entering the United States.
The Condition of Entry, which went into effect on June 25, 2014, mandated that before entering U.S. waters, ships headed for the United States that had made five port calls at specific Nigerian ports had to go through extra security checks and scrutiny.
The lifting of the restriction, according to Oyetola, was a significant confirmation of Nigeria’s advancements in bolstering its maritime security architecture and enforcing the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code throughout the nation’s ports and maritime facilities.
He credited the accomplishment to the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy’s persistent work through the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), in cooperation with pertinent governmental organizations, shipping firms, port operators, terminal and facility operators, and other stakeholders.
The Minister stated that the coordinated efforts were intended to demonstrate consistent adherence to internationally recognized maritime security standards, strengthen Nigeria’s maritime security framework, and close identified gaps.
The United States Coast Guard carried out four thorough evaluations of Nigeria’s port infrastructure and national maritime security framework during the previous two years. The evaluations were conducted on March 11–13, 2024; April 15–19, 2024; March 15–21, 2025; and April 13–17, 2026.
The assessments’ findings showed that Nigeria’s maritime security performance and application of the ISPS Code had significantly improved, which eventually resulted in the Condition of Entry being lifted.
“He said, “Nigeria’s maritime sector has achieved a major milestone: the United States Coast Guard has lifted the 12-year Condition of Entry imposed on vessels arriving in the U.S. from Nigeria.
“This is a strong affirmation of the progress we have made in strengthening maritime security and implementing the ISPS Code across our ports and facilities.
“I commend our agencies and stakeholders for their sustained collaboration. This achievement will enhance port competitiveness, improve vessel turnaround and schedule reliability, reduce costs and strengthen Nigeria’s position in the global maritime economy.
“We will sustain this momentum and ensure Nigeria remains a safe, secure and competitive destination for international shipping.”
We are delighted by this positive development, which marks a step forward in strengthening maritime relations between Nigeria and the United States. This change will undoubtedly facilitate smoother trade and foster greater cooperation between the two nations. We look forward to witnessing the positive impact of this new policy and continuing to build a mutually beneficial partnership.
