United States Government has commended Nigeria’s sustained maritime security reforms following the lifting of a 12-year security restriction on vessels arriving in the United States from Nigeria.
The U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Frank Garcia, conveyed the commendation in a letter dated August 26, 2026, to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola.
The development followed the United States Coast Guard’s decision in August to remove the long-standing Condition of Entry (CoE) imposed on vessels from Nigeria, a restriction that had subjected such vessels to additional security-related requirements.
Garcia said the removal of the restriction was evidence of Nigeria’s “sustained strengthening of port security and anti-terrorism compliance,” adding that it would have direct economic benefits for shipping operators and bilateral trade.
According to him, the decision would reduce security-related requirements and associated costs for vessels operating between Nigeria and the United States, while improving vessel turnaround times and schedule reliability.
“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 said.
He also commended the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) for its years-long collaboration with the U.S. Coast Guard and its continued efforts to address maritime security concerns.
The U.S. diplomat said Washington valued its maritime and economic partnership with Nigeria and looked forward to further cooperation towards promoting secure and efficient trade between both countries.
Reacting to the development, Oyetola attributed the lifting of the restriction 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 milestone for Nigeria’s maritime sector and an affirmation of progress in port security, regulatory compliance and international maritime cooperation.
He said the removal of the CoE would position Nigerian ports to compete more effectively for international shipping business.
“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 minister’s aide in a statement released yesterday said development also highlights the role of NIMASA in Nigeria’s sustained engagement with international maritime security authorities, particularly the U.S. Coast Guard, in addressing the security requirements that had kept the restriction in place for more than a decade.
In this article