Key facts
- The U.S. has lifted security restrictions on vessels arriving from Nigeria after 12 years.
- The restrictions, known as Conditions of Entry (CoE), were imposed by the U.S. Coast Guard in June 2014.
- The U.S. cited deficiencies in Nigeria's maritime security framework, including legal framework, oversight, access control, and cargo handling.
- The lifting of restrictions follows improvements in Nigeria's maritime security framework and compliance with the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code.
- Industry participants noted the restrictions increased operating costs through additional inspections, documentation, and security procedures, leading to delays and higher freight and insurance costs.
The United States has removed security restrictions on vessels arriving from Nigeria, a measure that had been in place for over a decade. The decision, announced by Nigeria's Marine and Blue economy Minister Adegboyega Oyetola, is expected to significantly reduce shipping costs and enhance the competitiveness of Nigerian ports.
The U.S. Coast Guard initially imposed these restrictions, known as Conditions of Entry (CoE), in June 2014, citing deficiencies in Nigeria's maritime security framework, including its legal framework, oversight by the designated maritime security authority, access control, and cargo handling procedures. These measures required vessels bound for the United States that had recently called at certain Nigerian ports to undergo enhanced scrutiny.
According to Oyetola, the lifting of the restrictions follows substantial improvements in Nigeria's maritime security framework and its compliance with the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code. The U.S. Coast Guard conducted four assessments of Nigeria's maritime security systems and port facilities between March 2024 and April 2026, as stated by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency.
Industry participants had long argued that the previous restrictions increased operating costs through additional inspections, documentation requirements, and security procedures. These factors contributed to delays, higher freight rates, and increased insurance costs for vessels calling at Nigerian ports before sailing to the United States. The removal of these conditions is anticipated to improve vessel turnaround times and enhance schedule reliability, making Nigerian ports more attractive to international shipping lines.