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The United States Coast Guard (USCG) has lifted a 12-year condition of entry (CoE) for vessels calling at designated Nigerian ports before proceeding to the United States. The move is expected to improve shipping efficiency and reduce compliance costs for operators using Nigerian ports.

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) said on Tuesday that the decision lifts additional security requirements imposed on affected vessels since 25 June 2014.

Adegboyega Oyetola, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, described the development as an endorsement of Nigeria’s recent progress in maritime security and in implementing the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code.

“The lifting of the Conditions of Entry is a major milestone for Nigeria’s maritime sector,” Oyetola said. “It is a strong affirmation of the progress we have made in strengthening maritime security and implementing the ISPS Code across our ports and facilities.”

He said the federal government would maintain the reforms needed to ensure Nigeria remains a safe, secure and competitive destination for international shipping.

Under the CoE regime, vessels destined for the US that had called at designated Nigerian ports within their previous five port calls were required to undergo additional security measures and enhanced scrutiny before entering US waters.

NIMASA said the restriction was lifted after four comprehensive USCG assessments of Nigeria’s maritime security framework and port facilities, conducted between March 2024 and April 2026, which demonstrated significant improvement in Nigeria’s maritime security performance and compliance with the ISPS Code.

The agency said the assessments demonstrated significant progress in Nigeria’s maritime security performance and in the implementation of the ISPS Code.

Oyetola attributed the outcome to coordinated efforts by the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, NIMASA, other government agencies, port operators, terminal and facility operators, shipping companies, and other stakeholders.

He said the efforts were intended to strengthen the country’s maritime security framework, address identified gaps, and demonstrate sustained compliance with international maritime security standards.

The minister also commended Dayo Mobereola, NIMASA Director General, and his team for what he described as their contribution to lifting the restriction.
For shipping lines and port users, the removal of the CoE could improve vessel turnaround and schedule reliability by eliminating the additional security requirements imposed under the US restriction.

It could also reduce costs associated with additional documentation, inspections, security procedures and entry-related delays, while making Nigerian ports more attractive to international shipping lines. NIMASA said the development could encourage greater shipping activity and support trade, investment, employment opportunities and port revenues.