US Lifts Security Restrictions on Nigerian Ports as FG Moves to Boost Shipping Costs, Trade Competitiveness

By Stella Okocha

The Federal Government has said the lifting of longstanding United States Coast Guard Condition of Entry restrictions on vessels arriving from Nigerian ports will reduce shipping costs and improve trade competitiveness.

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, disclosed this on Friday at the 2026 World Maritime Day celebration held at the Lagos Continental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Oyetola said the development has far-reaching economic implications given that the overwhelming majority of Nigeria’s international trade by volume moves by sea.

“Reducing security-related burdens and delays will lower shipping and logistics costs, strengthen the competitiveness of our businesses and, as savings move through the supply chain, help reduce the cost of goods and services for Nigerians,” he said.

The event, themed “From Policy to Practice: Powering Maritime Excellence,” brought together key stakeholders in the maritime sector.

The Minister also announced fresh moves to produce globally competitive Nigerian seafarers through expanded training, professional certification and practical onboard experience.

“We are expanding seafarer training, certification and practical sea-time opportunities in line with international standards,” Oyetola said.

He cited the partnership between Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG) and the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron, including a sea-time training Memorandum of Understanding aimed at helping cadets acquire onboard experience required for professional certification.

“Together with wider seafarer training and placement initiatives, this is building a skilled Nigerian maritime workforce ready to compete globally,” he added.

Oyetola said the government was also strengthening fisheries colleges and research institutions to equip young Nigerians and women with practical skills in aquaculture, fish processing, marine technology and sustainable fisheries management.

On port development, the Minister said government was advancing modernisation projects at Onne, Warri and Calabar ports, building on developments at Apapa and Tin Can Island, while pursuing deep seaport projects at Agge, Bakassi, Bonny, Gateway, Ibom and Ondo.

He explained that the strategy is to expand capacity, improve efficiency and decongest Lagos ports by connecting seaports to inland dry ports and production centres through road, rail and inland waterways.

In the fisheries sector, Oyetola disclosed that fish production rose from approximately 1.1 million metric tonnes to 1.4 million metric tonnes in 2025, adding that government is building on the progress through responsible aquaculture, improved processing, cold-chain investment and better market access.

The event was attended by Chairman, Senate Committee on Marine Transport, Senator Wasiu Eshinlokun; Deputy Chairman, House Committee on Maritime Safety, Education and Administration, Hon. Odudoh Uduak; heads of maritime agencies and other industry stakeholders.

In his goodwill message, Eshinlokun called for an end to attacks on seafarers in the Strait of Hormuz. The celebration also featured presentation of prizes to winners of an essay competition organised by agencies under the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.