U.S. Lifts 12-Year Vessel Entry Condition for Nigeria

The United States Government has commended Nigeria for its maritime security reforms, leading to the removal of the 12-year Condition of Entry (CoE) on vessels visiting the U.S. from Nigeria. In a letter dated August 26, 2026, U.S.

Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Frank W. Garcia Jr., congratulated Nigeria's Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, on this achievement.

Garcia noted that the lifting of the CoE would provide tangible benefits to shipping operators, reduce shipping costs, and strengthen trade relations between Nigeria and the U.S. The decision, announced by the U.S.

Coast Guard in August, is seen as a significant endorsement of Nigeria's efforts to enhance port security and anti-terrorism compliance. Minister Oyetola attributed this milestone to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's leadership and the prioritization of the marine and blue economy in Nigeria's economic transformation agenda.

The removal of the CoE is expected to improve turnaround times and schedule reliability for vessels engaged in trade between the two countries.