The United States government has commended Nigeria for its maritime security reforms that led to the lifting of a 12-year Condition of Entry (CoE) restriction on Nigerian vessels calling at U.S. ports.

Bolaji Akinola, special adviser to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday in Lagos.

Mr Akinola said the U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Frank Garcia, congratulated the Minister, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, on the development in a letter dated August 26, 2026.

Mr Garcia described the lifting of the restriction as evidence of Nigeria’s sustained efforts to strengthen port security and comply with anti-terrorism requirements.

He said the U.S. Coast Guard’s decision would reduce security-related requirements and associated costs for vessels operating between Nigeria and the U.S.

According to him, the decision will also improve vessel turnaround times and schedule reliability for shipping lines.

“Please allow me to join you in welcoming the U.S. Coast Guard’s decision.

“This reflects Nigeria’s sustained strengthening of port security and anti-terrorism compliance,” Mr Garcia said.

The diplomat said the U.S. valued its maritime and economic partnership with Nigeria and looked forward to continued collaboration to promote secure, efficient and mutually beneficial trade between both countries.

Mr Oyetola attributed the achievement to the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the administration’s prioritisation of the marine and blue economy as a key pillar of its economic transformation agenda.

He said lifting the CoE would strengthen the competitiveness of Nigerian ports and enable shipping operators to benefit from lower costs, fewer procedural requirements, and greater efficiency in Nigeria-U.S. trade.

The minister also acknowledged the central role played by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) in the years-long collaboration with the U.S. Coast Guard.

Mr Oyetola said NIMASA’s commitment to the process demonstrated Nigeria’s progress in maritime security, regulatory compliance and international engagement.

(NAN)