By Myke Uzendu, Abuja
The United States Government has commended Nigeria for sustained reforms in maritime security which led to the removal of a 12-year Condition of Entry (CoE) imposed on vessels travelling from Nigeria to the United States.
The US said the lifting of the restriction would reduce security-related requirements and associated costs for shipping operators, while improving vessel turnaround times and schedule reliability and strengthening trade between both countries.
The US Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Frank W. Garcia Jr., conveyed the commendation in a letter dated August 26, 2026, addressed to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola.
Garcia described the development as evidence of Nigeria’s “sustained strengthening of port security and anti-terrorism compliance.”
The letter followed the United States Coast Guard’s decision, announced in August, to lift the long-standing security restriction on vessels arriving in the US from Nigeria.
According to the senior US diplomat, the removal of the restriction would have direct economic benefits for shipping operators engaged in Nigeria-US trade.
“Please allow me to join you in welcoming the U.S. Coast Guard’s decision to lift the 12-year security restriction on Nigerian-flagged vessels calling at American ports,” Garcia stated.
“This achievement reflects Nigeria’s sustained strengthening of port security and anti-terrorism compliance.
“We are pleased that this milestone will reduce security-related requirements and associated costs for vessels operating between our two countries. It will also improve turnaround times and schedule reliability.”
Garcia said the United States valued its maritime and economic partnership with Nigeria and expressed Washington’s readiness to continue working with the country to promote secure, efficient and mutually beneficial trade.
He also commended the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) for its years-long collaboration with the US Coast Guard and its commitment to addressing the prevailing maritime security environment.
“We appreciate the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency’s years-long collaboration with the U.S. Coast Guard and its continued commitment to addressing the current high threat environment,” he said.
Reacting to the development, Oyetola attributed the lifting of the Condition of Entry to the leadership and strategic support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, particularly the administration’s decision to make the marine and blue economy a key component of its economic transformation agenda.
The minister described the development as a major achievement for Nigeria’s maritime sector and an affirmation of the progress made in strengthening port security, safety and international compliance.
He also stressed the importance of sustained engagement with international maritime partners, noting the central role played by NIMASA in the long-running collaboration with the US Coast Guard.
“With the Condition of Entry now removed, Nigerian ports are better positioned to compete for international shipping business, while shipping lines operating between Nigeria and the United States stand to benefit from lower security-related costs, fewer procedural burdens, improved turnaround times and greater schedule reliability,” Oyetola said.
The removal of the restriction is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s position in international shipping by reducing additional security procedures previously associated with vessels travelling between Nigerian and American ports.
The Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy said the development also demonstrates the economic benefits of sustained investment in maritime security and compliance, as Nigeria seeks to expand the contribution of the sector to national economic growth.
The Condition of Entry had remained in place for 12 years, requiring vessels from Nigeria to comply with additional security-related measures when calling at US ports.
The ministry said its removal would further support efforts to improve the competitiveness of Nigerian ports, attract international shipping business and deepen Nigeria-US maritime and economic relations.
