Nigerian vessels heading to US gain easier access as Coast Guard lifts 12-year restriction

The restriction, introduced in June 2014, required affected vessels to undergo additional security measures before proceeding to the United States.

Its removal follows a series of assessments by the US Coast Guard that found significant improvements in Nigeria’s maritime security framework and implementation of the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code.

The development was announced by Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, who described the decision as a major milestone for the country’s maritime sector.

“This 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 lifting of the restriction followed four comprehensive US Coast Guard assessments of Nigeria’s national maritime security framework and port facilities over the past two years.

The assessments took place in March and April 2024, March 2025 and April 2026. According to the Federal Government, the reviews showed improved compliance with international maritime security requirements, ultimately leading to the removal of the CoE.

The development builds on cooperation between the US Coast Guard and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), which began working on a roadmap for removing the restriction in 2024.

In February 2024, NIMASA said the US Coast Guard had offered a three-year plan involving twice-yearly assessments of Nigerian ports’ compliance with the ISPS Code. The reviews were intended to determine whether Nigeria had made sufficient progress for the Condition of Entry to be completely lifted.

NIMASA is Nigeria’s designated authority for implementing the ISPS Code, which establishes security requirements for ships and port facilities.

The lifting of the CoE is expected to improve the competitiveness of Nigerian ports by reducing additional security-related requirements for vessels travelling to the US.

It could also improve vessel turnaround times and schedule reliability while reducing costs associated with the additional security measures, according to Oyetola and NIMASA.

The minister said the government would sustain the improvements to ensure Nigeria remains a safe and competitive destination for international shipping.

The decision also marks a significant change in Nigeria’s maritime relationship with the US after more than a decade of enhanced scrutiny. It provides external recognition of improvements in port security and could strengthen the country’s position as a regional shipping hub.