U.S. Removes Twelve-Year Security Restrictions on Nigerian Vessels

The United States announced the termination of the Conditions of Entry program that, since June 2014, forced ships that had docked in specific Nigerian ports to undergo heightened security scrutiny before entering U.S. waters. Adegboyega Oyetola, Nigeria’s Marine and Blue economy Minister, credited recent upgrades to the country’s maritime security regime and alignment with the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code for the decision.

The U.S. Coast Guard had previously cited gaps in Nigeria’s legal framework, oversight, access control and cargo handling as reasons for the restrictions. Four assessments of Nigeria’s ports were carried out between March 2024 and April 2026, according to the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency. Lifting the rules should reduce operating costs, improve schedule reliability and attract more international shipping lines to Nigerian terminals. Stakeholders had contended that the extra inspections and documentation had driven up freight rates and insurance premiums.