
US Coast Guard lifts 12-year entry restriction on vessels from Nigeria
The United States Coast Guard has lifted the 12-year Condition of Entry on vessels arriving in the US from Nigeria, according to the Federal Government. Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, announced the development, noting that the Condition of Entry, imposed in June 2014, required additional security measures for vessels calling at Nigerian ports before proceeding to the US. The lifting of the CoE follows four comprehensive assessments by the US Coast Guard of Nigeria鈥檚 maritime security framework and port facilities between March 2024 and April 2026. These assessments showed significant progress in Nigeria鈥檚 maritime security performance and implementation of the ISPS Code. Oyetola described this as a major milestone for Nigeria鈥檚 maritime sector, affirming progress in strengthening maritime security and compliance with international standards. He attributed this achievement to sustained efforts by the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, and other stakeholders. The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency stated that the lifting of the CoE is expected to improve port competitiveness, enhance vessel turnaround and schedule reliability, reduce additional security-related costs, and strengthen Nigeria鈥檚 position in global shipping. Oyetola commended the Director-General of NIMASA, Dayo Mobereola, and other stakeholders for their contributions.



