U.S. Commends Nigeria as 12-Year Maritime Security Restriction Is Lifted

By Stella Okocha 

The United States Government has commended Nigeria for sustained improvements in maritime security and port security compliance following the lifting of a 12-year Condition of Entry (CoE) imposed on vessels travelling from Nigeria to the United States.

In a letter dated August 26, 2026, the U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Frank W. Garcia Jr., congratulated Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, on the milestone.

Garcia said the U.S. Coast Guard’s decision to remove the restriction reflected Nigeria’s “sustained strengthening of port security and anti-terrorism compliance.”

He noted that the development would reduce security-related requirements and costs for vessels operating between Nigeria and the United States.

The U.S. official also said the removal of the restriction was expected to improve vessel turnaround times and schedule reliability, potentially strengthening trade and shipping links between both countries.

The development follows years of collaboration between the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and the U.S. Coast Guard to address maritime security concerns and meet international port-security requirements.

Speaking on the decision, Minister Oyetola credited President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership and support for the achievement, particularly the administration’s prioritisation of the marine and blue economy as a key component of its economic transformation agenda.

Oyetola described the lifting of the Condition of Entry as a major milestone for Nigeria’s maritime sector, saying it demonstrated progress in maritime security and regulatory compliance.

“With the Condition of Entry now removed, Nigerian ports are better positioned to compete for international shipping business,” the minister said, adding that shipping lines operating between Nigeria and the United States could benefit from lower security-related costs, fewer procedural burdens, faster turnaround times and greater schedule reliability.

The U.S. Government’s endorsement is expected to further strengthen maritime and economic cooperation between Nigeria and the United States, while enhancing the competitiveness of Nigerian ports in international shipping.