US lifts 12-year entry restriction on Nigerian vessels

The United States Coast Guard (USCG) has lifted the 12-year Condition of Entry (CoE) imposed on vessels arriving in the United States from Nigeria.

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, announced this in a statement issued by the Head of Public Relations, Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Edward Osagie, on Tuesday, August 18, 2026.

Oyetola said the decision ended enhanced security requirements imposed on vessels calling at designated Nigerian ports before accessing U.S. waters since June 25, 2014.

Oyetola, a former governor of Osun State, said the development serves as a major breakthrough for the maritime sector and a recognition of the country’s progress in strengthening maritime security.

He said the CoE had subjected vessels that called at designated Nigerian ports within their previous five port calls to additional security scrutiny before entering U.S. waters.

Oyetola said the lifting of the restriction affirmed Nigeria’s progress in implementing the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code across its ports and maritime facilities.

He attributed the achievement to sustained efforts by the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, through NIMASA, in collaboration with relevant agencies, port operators and shipping stakeholders.

Oyetola stated that coordinated efforts focused on addressing security gaps and demonstrating sustained compliance with internationally accepted maritime security standards and protocols.

Oyetola said: “Over the past two years, the USCG conducted four assessments of Nigeria’s maritime security framework and port facilities in March 2024, April 2024, March 2025 and April 2026.

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“The assessments showed significant progress in Nigeria’s implementation of the ISPS Code and overall maritime security performance, paving the way for the restriction’s removal.”

The minister described the development as a significant achievement that reflected sustained regulatory oversight, institutional collaboration and the commitment of NIMASA to maritime security.

“The lifting is a major milestone. It affirms our progress in maritime security and ISPS Code implementation,” he said, pledging to sustain the momentum toward safe and competitive shipping.

Oyetola also commended NIMASA Director-General, Dr Dayo Mobereola, and his team, saying the feat demonstrated the impact of effective regulation and stakeholder collaboration.