According to the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, the restriction applied to vessels that had called at Nigerian ports within their previous five port calls. The removal of the Condition of Entry is expected to reduce additional scrutiny, documentation requirements, inspections and delays associated with entry into US waters.
Adegboyega Oyetola, minister of Marine and Blue Economy, said the decision reflected progress in Nigeria’s maritime security framework and the implementation of the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code across the country’s ports and facilities.
The ISPS Code is an International Maritime Organisation security framework designed to protect ships and port facilities against threats including terrorism, sabotage and unauthorised access. It requires risk assessments, security plans, access controls and procedures for responding to threats.
NIMASA became Nigeria’s designated authority for implementing the code in 2013 after a United States Coast Guard assessment identified significant compliance gaps at Nigerian ports. The Condition of Entry was imposed the following year after maritime security and port facility assessments by the USCG.
Oyetola said lifting the restriction could support faster vessel turnaround, improve schedule reliability and lower costs for shipping companies. He added that it could make Nigerian ports more attractive to international shipping lines, helping to expand trade, investment, employment and port revenues.
The minister commended NIMASA, port operators, terminal and facility operators, and shipping companies for their roles in achieving the outcome. He said Nigeria would work to sustain the gains and remain a secure destination for international shipping.
