After 12 years, the United States has removed special security restrictions on vessels that stop at Nigerian ports before heading to America.
The United States Coast Guard lifted the “Condition of Entry” on Tuesday. The rule had been in place since June 25, 2014, and forced any ship that called at designated Nigerian ports within its last five stops to undergo extra screening before entering US waters.
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, announced the decision.
Adegboyega Oyetola, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, called it a major win for Nigeria. He said it reflects improvements in maritime security and full implementation of the International Ship and Port Facility Security, ISPS, Code across Nigerian ports.
“This 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,” Oyetola said. He added that the government will keep working to keep Nigeria safe and competitive for global shipping.
Why the ban was lifted
According to NIMASA, the USCG carried out four detailed assessments of Nigeria’s port security between 2024 and 2026. The inspections took place in March and April 2024, March 2025, and April 2026. The reports showed significant progress in compliance.
The minister credited the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, NIMASA, port operators, terminal managers, shipping companies, and other agencies for the coordinated effort. He also commended NIMASA DG, Dayo Mobereola, and his team.
What it means for Nigeria
NIMASA says removing the CoE will have immediate practical benefits:
- Faster turnaround: Ships will no longer face extra US security checks and delays
- Lower costs: Less spending on additional documentation, inspections, and security measures
- More traffic: Nigerian ports become more attractive to international shipping lines
The agency expects the change to boost trade, investment, jobs, and port revenue, and to strengthen Nigeria’s standing in the global maritime economy.
Vessels leaving Nigerian ports for the US will now be treated like those from any other ISPS-compliant country, without the extra USCG requirements.
