US Lifts 12-Year Entry Restriction on Nigeria-Bound Ships

The United States Coast Guard has lifted a 12-year Condition of Entry imposed on vessels arriving in the US from Nigeria, in a development the Federal Government described as a major milestone for the country’s maritime sector.

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, announced the development on Tuesday.

The restriction, introduced in June 2014, required vessels that had called at designated Nigerian ports before sailing to the United States to undergo additional security checks.

According to the Federal Government, the decision to remove the restriction followed four assessments conducted by the US Coast Guard over the past two years to evaluate Nigeria’s maritime security system and port facilities.

The assessments were carried out in March and April 2024, March 2025 and April 2026.

The government said the reviews recorded significant improvements in Nigeria’s maritime security and compliance with the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code, known as the ISPS Code.

Oyetola said the lifting of the restriction was evidence of progress in strengthening security at Nigerian ports and meeting international maritime standards.

He commended the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, and other stakeholders for their efforts and collaboration in achieving the milestone.

According to the minister, the development is expected to improve the competitiveness of Nigerian ports, enhance vessel turnaround times and make shipping schedules more reliable.

It is also expected to reduce additional security-related costs associated with the previous restriction and strengthen Nigeria’s position in the global maritime economy.

Oyetola assured that the government would sustain efforts to maintain high security standards and ensure that Nigeria remains a safe and competitive destination for international shipping.

NIMASA also welcomed the decision, saying the removal of the restriction would improve port competitiveness and vessel turnaround while providing greater reliability for shipping operations.

The agency added that the development would reduce extra security costs for vessels and further strengthen Nigeria’s standing in international shipping.

The lifting of the restriction marks a significant development for Nigeria’s maritime industry after more than a decade of additional security requirements for vessels travelling from Nigerian ports to the United States.

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