U.S Removes Security Restrictions On Ships Arriving From Nigeria After 12 Years

The U.S has removed restrictions imposed on ships arriving from Nigeria after a decade, to cut shipping costs and boost the competitiveness of Nigerian port facilities.

The U.S Coast Guard had come up with the restrictions called the Conditions of Entry or CoE in 2014. Under these, ships arriving in U.S ports from Nigeria had to undergo additional security checks before entering American waters.

According to the Coast Guard, Nigerian Ports lacked effective anti-terrorism measures, and it also said that the government’s legal network, maritime security authority and cargo handling procedures were deficient.

However, this decision comes as Nigeria has made improvements in its maritime security system over the years and also ensures compliance with the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code.

Now that the restrictions have been lifted, vessels calling at Nigerian Ports before heading to the U.S, would no longer need to go through additional security checks imposed earlier.

This move would boost ship turnaround times and also make Nigerian Ports more competitive and reliable to international shipping lines.

The U.S Coast Guard conducted 4 assessments of Nigeria’s maritime security systems and ports between 2024 and 2026, according to the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency.

Many from the industry said that the restrictions led to a rise in operational costs due to extra inspections, checks, documentation and safety procedures, which led to delays, higher freight rates and insurance costs.