By ebosele@hotmail.com –
The United States Government has commended Nigeria for sustained reforms in maritime security, following the lifting of the 12-year Condition of Entry (CoE) imposed on vessels travelling from Nigeria to American ports.
The U.S. Government said the development would deliver tangible benefits to shipping operators by reducing security-related costs, improving vessel turnaround times and strengthening trade between Nigeria and the United States.
In a letter dated August 26, 2026, addressed to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, the U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Frank W. Garcia Jr., congratulated Nigeria on the milestone.
Garcia described the development as evidence of Nigeria’s “sustained strengthening of port security and anti-terrorism compliance.”
The letter followed the United States Coast Guard’s decision, announced in August, to lift the long-standing security restriction on vessels arriving in the United States from Nigeria.
According to Garcia, the removal of the restriction would “reduce security-related requirements and associated costs for vessels operating between our two countries.”
He added that the decision would improve turnaround times and schedule reliability for vessels engaged in Nigeria-U.S. trade.
“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.
“This achievement reflects Nigeria’s sustained strengthening of port security and anti-terrorism compliance.
“We are pleased that this milestone will reduce security-related requirements and associated costs for vessels operating between our two countries. It will also improve turnaround times and schedule reliability.
“The United States values its maritime and economic partnerships with Nigeria and looks forward to continued collaboration promoting secure, efficient, and mutually beneficial trade between our nations.”
The U.S. diplomat 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 the prevailing maritime security environment.
“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,” he added.
Reacting to the development, Minister Oyetola credited President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership and strategic support for the achievement, 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 CoE as a major milestone for Nigeria’s maritime sector and an affirmation of the progress recorded in maritime security and regulatory compliance.
He said the development also highlighted the importance of sustained engagement between the Federal Government and international maritime partners, with NIMASA playing a central role in the long-running collaboration 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.
The statement was signed by Dr. Bolaji Akinola, Special Adviser to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy.
