US lifts 12-year entry restriction on Nigerian vessels

By Joy Enamuna

The United States Coast Guard has lifted the 12-year Condition of Entry imposed on vessels calling at Nigerian ports before proceeding to the United States, the Federal Government has announced.

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, announced the development, describing it as a major breakthrough that would strengthen Nigeria’s maritime security, improve port competitiveness and boost the country’s standing in the global shipping industry.

The restriction, which came into effect on June 25, 2014, subjected vessels that had visited designated Nigerian ports within their previous five port calls to additional security checks and other requirements before entering US waters.

Oyetola attributed the lifting of the restriction to sustained efforts by the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, through the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, in collaboration with government agencies, port and terminal operators, shipping companies and other industry stakeholders.

The minister said the USCG conducted four comprehensive assessments of Nigeria’s maritime security framework and port facilities between March 2024 and April 2026, with the findings showing significant improvements in the country’s implementation of the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code.

He said, “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 and implementing the ISPS Code across our ports and facilities.”

According to Oyetola, the development is expected to improve vessel turnaround and schedule reliability while reducing costs associated with additional inspections, documentation and security measures previously required under the restriction.

The minister also commended the Director-General of NIMASA, Dayo Mobereola, and his team, saying the lifting of the CoE would make Nigerian ports more attractive to international shipping lines and potentially boost trade, investment, employment and port revenue.