OYETOLA: US REMOVES SECURITY RESTRICTIONS ON NIGERIA- BOUND SHIPS AFTER 12 YEARS
Oyetola: US Removes Security Restrictions on Nigeria-Bound Ships After 12 Years
By Babatunde Aremu
The United States Coast Guard has lifted the 12-year Condition of Entry imposed on vessels arriving in the US from Nigeria, citing significant improvements in Nigeria’s maritime security framework.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, announced the development on Monday, describing it as a major milestone for Nigeria’s maritime sector and global standing.
The Condition of Entry took effect on June 25, 2014. It required vessels that had called at designated Nigerian ports within their previous five port calls to undergo additional security measures and enhanced scrutiny before accessing US waters.
Dr. Oyetola said the lifting of the restriction was a strong affirmation of Nigeria’s progress in implementing the International Ship and Port Facility Security, ISPS, Code across ports and maritime facilities.
He attributed the achievement to sustained efforts by the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy through the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, in collaboration with government agencies, port operators, terminal operators and shipping companies.
According to the Minister, the US Coast Guard conducted four comprehensive assessments of Nigeria’s national maritime security framework between 2024 and 2026.
The assessments held on: March 11–13, 2024; April 15–19, 2024; March 15–21, 2025; and April 13–17, 2026.
The results demonstrated significant progress in ISPS Code implementation, leading to the removal of the CoE.
“The lifting of the Conditions of Entry is a major milestone for Nigeria’s maritime sector. It is a strong affirmation of the progress we have made in strengthening maritime security,” Oyetola said.
“We are committed to sustaining this momentum and ensuring that Nigeria remains a safe, secure and competitive destination for international shipping.”
The Minister commended the Director-General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, and his team for their role in achieving the feat.
Oyetola said the development extends beyond security. He noted it will improve the competitiveness and efficiency of Nigerian ports and strengthen Nigeria’s position in the global maritime economy.
The lifting of the CoE is expected to facilitate faster vessel turnaround, improve schedule reliability, and reduce costs related to additional documentation, inspections and delays.
It is also expected to make Nigerian ports more attractive to international shipping lines and boost trade, investment, employment and port revenues.
For over a decade, vessels trading between Nigeria and the US faced increased security and operating costs, additional inspections, delays and higher freight and insurance costs due to the restriction.
With the lifting, vessels calling at Nigerian ports and subsequently proceeding to the US will no longer be subjected to the additional USCG security requirements.
