US Lifts 12-Year Entry Condition on Nigerian Vessels

The United States Coast Guard (USCG) has officially lifted the Condition of Entry (CoE) imposed on vessels entering the U.S. from Nigeria, as announced by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola. This decision ends a 12-year period of enhanced security requirements that began on June 25, 2014.

Under the CoE, vessels that had called at designated Nigerian ports faced rigorous security protocols and delays. Oyetola attributed this breakthrough to sustained regulatory oversight and collaboration among key stakeholders, including the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).

The USCG's decision followed four assessments of Nigeria’s maritime security framework conducted between March 2024 and April 2026. The lifting of the CoE is expected to improve port competitiveness, reduce operational costs, and enhance Nigeria's attractiveness to global shipping lines.

Oyetola reaffirmed the Federal Government's commitment to building a world-class maritime domain, emphasizing the broader economic implications of this development for Nigeria's position in the global maritime economy.