The United States Government has commended Nigeria for its sustained maritime security reforms following the lifting of a 12-year Condition of Entry (CoE) imposed on vessels travelling from Nigeria to the United States, saying the move will cut shipping costs, improve operational efficiency and strengthen trade between both countries.
In a letter dated August 26, 2026, to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, the US Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Frank W. Garcia Jr, congratulated Nigeria on the milestone, describing it as evidence of the country’s “sustained strengthening of port security and anti-terrorism compliance”.
The letter marks a fresh endorsement from Washington after the United States Coast Guard announced in August that it had lifted the long-standing security restriction on vessels arriving in the US from Nigeria.
Garcia said the decision would have direct economic benefits for shipping operators, noting that the removal of the restriction “will reduce security-related requirements and associated costs for vessels operating between our two countries”.
He added that the move would improve vessel turnaround times and schedule reliability on the Nigeria-US trade route.
“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. 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.
“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.”
Reacting to the development, Oyetola credited President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership and strategic support, particularly the administration’s decision to make the marine and blue economy a key pillar of its economic transformation agenda.
The minister described the lifting of the CoE as a major milestone for Nigeria’s maritime sector and a strong endorsement of the progress made in improving maritime security and regulatory compliance.
He said the development also highlighted the importance of sustained engagement with international maritime partners, with the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) playing a central role in the years-long collaboration with the US 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.