By Oluyinka Onigbinde
The United States Government has commended Nigeria for sustained reforms in maritime security and port protection, following the lifting of the 12-year Condition of Entry (CoE) imposed on vessels travelling from Nigeria to the United States.
The U.S. Government said the removal of the security restriction would deliver tangible benefits to shipping operators by reducing security-related costs, easing procedural requirements, improving vessel turnaround times and enhancing schedule reliability on the Nigeria-U.S. trade route.
The commendation was contained in a letter dated August 26, 2026, addressed to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, by the U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Frank W. Garcia Jr.
Garcia described the lifting of the restriction by the United States Coast Guard as evidence of Nigeria’s “sustained strengthening of port security and anti-terrorism compliance.”
The decision, announced by the U.S. Coast Guard in August, brought an end to a security measure that had been in place for 12 years for vessels arriving in the United States from Nigeria.
According to Garcia, the development would have direct economic implications for shipping operators and strengthen maritime and economic relations between both countries.
He said the removal of the restriction “will reduce security-related requirements and associated costs for vessels operating between our two countries,” while also improving turnaround times and schedule reliability.
Garcia further commended the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) for its years-long collaboration with the U.S. Coast Guard in addressing maritime security concerns.
“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.
“This achievement reflects Nigeria’s sustained strengthening of port security and anti-terrorism compliance,” the U.S. diplomat said.
He added that the United States valued its maritime and economic partnership with Nigeria and looked forward to continued collaboration towards promoting secure, efficient and mutually beneficial trade between both countries.
“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.
“Please accept my sincere congratulations on this significant accomplishment,” Garcia stated.
Reacting to the development, Oyetola attributed the milestone 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 pillar of Nigeria’s economic transformation agenda.
The Minister described the lifting of the Condition of Entry as a major achievement for Nigeria’s maritime sector and an affirmation of the progress made in strengthening maritime security and regulatory compliance.
He said the development also demonstrated the importance of sustained engagement between Nigeria and international maritime partners, with NIMASA playing a central role in the long-running cooperation with the U.S. 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.
