The United States has lifted security restrictions on vessels arriving from Nigeria after over a decade, as announced by Marine and Blue Economy Minister Adegboyega Oyetola. This change is anticipated to reduce shipping costs and enhance the competitiveness of Nigerian ports.
The restrictions, known as Conditions of Entry (CoE), were implemented by the U.S. Coast Guard in June 2014 due to concerns over Nigeria’s anti-terrorism measures, which were deemed insufficient in areas such as legal frameworks and cargo handling. Vessels bound for the U.S. from certain Nigerian ports faced stringent security checks under these regulations.
Minister Oyetola attributed the lifting of these restrictions to improvements in Nigeria’s maritime security framework and adherence to the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code. The decision is expected to streamline vessel turnaround times and improve schedule reliability, making Nigerian ports more appealing to international shipping lines.
The U.S. Coast Guard conducted multiple assessments of Nigeria’s maritime security between March 2024 and April 2026. Industry stakeholders had long contended that the CoE restrictions led to increased operating costs, delays, and higher freight and insurance rates.
