The United States Coast Guard (USCG) has lifted the Condition of Entry (CoE) imposed on vessels arriving in the United States from Nigeria, ending 12 years of enhanced security requirements for ships calling at Nigerian ports.

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, described the development as a major achievement for Nigeria’s maritime industry and evidence of progress in strengthening maritime security while meeting international standards.

The Condition of Entry came into effect on June 25, 2014. It required vessels bound for the United States that had visited designated Nigerian ports among their previous five port calls to undergo additional security measures and scrutiny before entering US waters.

According to Oyetola, the restriction was removed after sustained efforts by the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy through the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), working alongside relevant government agencies, port and terminal operators, shipping companies and other stakeholders.

The efforts were focused on reinforcing Nigeria’s maritime security framework, closing identified gaps and demonstrating continued compliance with 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. 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,” Oyetola said.

The minister disclosed that the US Coast Guard carried out four comprehensive assessments of Nigeria’s national maritime security framework and port facilities between March 2024 and April 2026.

The assessments took place from March 11 to 13 and April 15 to 19, 2024; March 15 to 21, 2025; and April 13 to 17, 2026.

Oyetola said the assessments showed significant improvements in Nigeria’s maritime security performance and the implementation of the ISPS Code. He said these improvements ultimately contributed to the decision to lift the restriction.

He credited the development to sustained regulatory oversight, collaboration among institutions and NIMASA’s efforts to improve maritime security.

Oyetola also commended NIMASA Director-General, Dr Dayo Mobereola, and his team for their role in achieving the development.

The minister said the impact of the decision extends beyond maritime security, noting that the removal of the restriction could improve the competitiveness and operational efficiency of Nigerian ports while strengthening Nigeria’s position within the global maritime economy.

According to him, the development is expected to support faster vessel turnaround and greater schedule reliability, while reducing expenses linked to additional documentation, inspections, security measures and delays associated with entry procedures.

The removal of the restriction could also increase the attractiveness of Nigerian ports to international shipping lines. This could potentially lead to increased shipping activity, higher trade volumes, greater investment, more employment opportunities and increased port revenues.

For over a decade, ships trading between Nigeria and the United States had faced additional security and operational requirements under the Condition of Entry.

The measures imposed additional operating and security expenses on shipping operators, alongside increased inspections and documentation requirements and the possibility of delays in vessel turnaround.

The restrictions had also generated concerns regarding the competitiveness of Nigerian ports and their position within the international shipping community.

Following the lifting of the Condition of Entry, vessels that call at Nigerian ports before travelling to the United States will no longer be subjected to the additional USCG security requirements introduced under the restriction.

Oyetola said the Federal Government would continue working to strengthen maritime security and uphold internationally accepted standards as Nigeria seeks to position its ports for greater participation in global shipping and trade.

Source: MSME Africa Online