The US Coast Guard has removed a 12-year Condition of Entry on vessels arriving in the U.S. from Nigeria. The Coast Guard has formally announced that it is removing the Federal Republic of Nigeria from the Port Security Advisory.

This restriction was initially imposed in 2014 due to maritime security concerns. At the time, the U.S. Coast Guard announced that it was imposing conditions of entry on vessels arriving from Nigeria.

Its removal follows a series of assessments by the US Coast Guard that found significant improvements in Nigeria’s maritime security framework.

The notification of the removal of conditions of entry on vessels arriving from Nigeria was published on August 19 in the US Federal Register, the official journal of the federal government of the United States.

The policy announced in this notice is effective on August 19, 2026.

The decision ends a regime of enhanced security requirements imposed on vessels arriving in the United States from Nigeria since 2014.

The removal of the restriction is expected to enhance the attractiveness of Nigerian ports to international shipping lines and support increased shipping activity, trade and investment.

The decision also provides external recognition of improvements in port security and could strengthen the country’s position as a regional shipping hub.

The development was announced by Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, who described the decision as a “major milestone” for the country’s maritime sector.

“This is a strong affirmation of the progress we have made in strengthening maritime security and implementing the ISPS Code across our ports and facilities,” Oyetola said. “I commend our agencies and stakeholders for their sustained collaboration. This achievement will enhance port competitiveness, improve vessel turnaround and schedule reliability, reduce costs and strengthen Nigeria’s position in the global maritime economy.”

“We will sustain this momentum and ensure Nigeria remains a safe, secure and competitive destination for international shipping,” he added.