Some international shipping lines operating in Nigeria have welcomed the U.S. decision to lift its 12-year Condition of Entry.
The United States Coast Guard had imposed the condition on vessels originating from Nigerian ports and destined for the United States.
Mr Edward Osagie, Assistant Director of Communication, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday in Lagos.
Osagie said the shipping companies described the development as a reflection of improved maritime security in Nigeria.
He said they also expected the development to boost trade and shipping activities between Nigeria and the United States.
Osagie quoted the Terminal Planning Lead, West Africa Maersk, Mr Srijesh Subramanian, as describing the development as a welcome move.
Subramanian said the removal of the restriction would strengthen Nigeria’s position in global shipping and encourage shipping companies to expand their operations.
He said the development would also facilitate trade for importers and exporters.
Subramanian urged relevant authorities to sustain the gains recorded in maritime security to maintain confidence in Nigeria’s maritime environment.
Also, the Nigeria Director of Ocean Network Express (ONE), Mr Stefan Pedersen, congratulated Nigeria on the lifting of the restriction.
Pedersen said although ONE did not currently operate direct services to the U.S., the development would make direct trade between both countries easier.
He said the removal of the restriction would generally improve trade opportunities for shipping companies operating direct services between Nigeria and the U.S.
Similarly, the Managing Director of Pacific International Lines, Mr Ugo Opiah, said the development would positively affect Nigeria’s image as a maritime nation.
Opiah said the lifting of the restriction indicated that Nigeria had improved its maritime security standards.
He said the development would send a positive signal to the international maritime community about Nigeria’s progress in securing its waters and ports.
The Vessel and Terminal Coordinator for Mediterranean Shipping Company, Mr Adesina Omoparuwa, said the restriction had previously resulted in additional trans-shipment arrangements.
Omoparuwa said this affected vessels trading between Nigeria and the U.S.
He said the removal of the restriction would create opportunities for more direct shipping services between Nigeria and the U.S.
Omoparuwa said this would facilitate trade between businesses in both countries.
He said lifting the Condition of Entry on vessels that had visited Nigerian ports within their last five port calls ended the 12-year enhanced security regime.
Omoparuwa said the development was also expected to strengthen maritime security, improve port competitiveness and enhance Nigeria’s standing in the global maritime industry.
