The United States Government has commended Nigeria for its maritime security reforms following the lifting of a 12-year Condition of Entry imposed on vessels travelling from Nigeria to the United States.
The US said the development would benefit shipping operators by reducing security-related costs, improving turnaround times and strengthening trade between both countries.
In a letter dated August 26, 2026, and addressed to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, the US Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Frank W. Garcia Jr., congratulated Nigeria on the achievement.
Garcia described the development as evidence of Nigeria’s sustained efforts to strengthen port security and comply with anti-terrorism requirements.
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 US from Nigeria.
The US diplomat said the removal of the restriction would reduce security-related requirements and associated costs for vessels operating between Nigeria and the United States.
He added that it would improve turnaround times and schedule reliability for ships involved in bilateral trade.
The US Government also praised the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) for its years of collaboration with the US Coast Guard and continued efforts to address security challenges in the maritime environment.
Responding to the development, Oyetola credited President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership and support for the milestone.
The minister described the lifting of the Condition of Entry as a major achievement for Nigeria’s maritime sector and an affirmation of progress in maritime security and regulatory compliance.
Oyetola said the development would position Nigerian ports to compete more effectively for international shipping business.
He added that shipping lines operating between Nigeria and the US would benefit from lower security-related costs, fewer procedural burdens, faster turnaround times and improved schedule reliability.
