US Lifts 12-Year Security Restrictions on Ships From Nigerian Ports

August 19, 2026
By Mintesinot Nigussie

The United States Coast Guard has lifted a 12-year-old security restriction on vessels travelling from Nigerian ports to the United States, a move Nigeria says could reduce shipping costs and improve the competitiveness of its ports.

The Condition of Entry, introduced on June 25, 2014, required vessels that had called at designated Nigerian ports within their previous five port calls to meet additional security requirements before entering US waters.

Adegboyega Oyetola, Nigeria’s minister of marine and blue economy, said the removal of the restriction reflects improvements in the country’s maritime security system and compliance with the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code.

The US Coast Guard conducted four assessments of Nigeria’s maritime security framework and port facilities over the past two years, according to the ministry. The assessments took place in March and April 2024, March 2025 and April 2026.

The assessments found improvements in Nigeria’s implementation of the international maritime security code, leading to the lifting of the Condition of Entry, the ministry said.

Oyetola attributed the development to efforts by the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, working with government agencies, port and terminal operators, shipping companies and other industry participants.

“The lifting of the Conditions of Entry is a major milestone for Nigeria’s maritime sector,” Oyetola said, adding that the government would continue efforts to maintain maritime security standards.

The restriction had required additional inspections, documentation and security measures for affected vessels, increasing operating costs and contributing to delays in vessel turnaround, according to the ministry.

Its removal is expected to improve vessel turnaround times and schedule reliability while reducing costs linked to the additional requirements.

The government also expects the change to make Nigerian ports more attractive to international shipping lines, potentially supporting higher shipping activity, trade and port revenues.

The lifting of the restriction removes the additional US Coast Guard requirements that applied specifically under the Condition of Entry to vessels calling at Nigerian ports before travelling to the United States.

Source: FSX Business News