U.S. Lifts Shipping Restrictions on Nigerian Vessels

The United States government has acknowledged Nigeria's sustained improvements in maritime security, stating that these advancements will lead to reduced shipping costs, improved vessel turnaround times, and strengthened trade between the two nations. This announcement follows the lifting of a 12-year security restriction on Nigerian vessels calling at U.S. ports.

Frank W. Garcia Jr., the U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, conveyed this in a letter dated August 26, 2026, to Adegboyega Oyetola, Nigeria's Minister of Marine and Blue Economy.

The letter, shared by Bolaji Akinola, special adviser to the minister, highlighted the lifting of the Condition of Entry (CoE) imposed on vessels from Nigeria. The U.S.

Coast Guard made this decision after years of collaboration with the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) to meet maritime security and anti-terrorism compliance requirements. The removal of the CoE is expected to enhance the competitiveness of Nigerian ports by decreasing security-related costs and improving operational efficiency for shipping lines.