US Lifts 2014 Security Restriction, Boosts Nigeria’s Port Competitiveness

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

Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, disclosed this on Tuesday, saying the restriction, imposed in June 2014, required vessels from designated Nigerian ports to undergo additional security checks before proceeding to the US.

The decision followed four comprehensive assessments of Nigeria’s maritime security framework and port facilities conducted by the US Coast Guard between March 2024 and April 2026.

According to Oyetola, the assessments found significant improvements in Nigeria’s maritime security performance and implementation of the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code.

He described the lifting of the restriction as a major milestone for Nigeria’s maritime sector, noting that it would enhance the competitiveness of Nigerian ports and improve the country’s standing in international shipping.

Oyetola said the development would also contribute to faster vessel turnaround, improved schedule reliability and reduced operational costs for shipping lines and other stakeholders.

The Minister added that the removal of the restriction would strengthen Nigeria’s position in global shipping by demonstrating the country’s progress in meeting international maritime security standards.

The Condition of Entry had subjected vessels arriving in the US from designated Nigerian ports to additional security measures, potentially increasing the time and cost associated with their operations.

The Federal Government said the lifting of the restriction reflects sustained efforts to improve security standards across Nigerian ports and align the country’s maritime infrastructure with global best practices.