The United States Coast Guard says it has lifted a 12-year security restriction requiring vessels arriving in the U.S. from Nigerian ports to undergo additional security measures.

The Coast Guard removed Nigeria from its Port Security Advisory, ending the Condition of Entry imposed on vessels arriving from Nigeria in 2014 over concerns about the effectiveness of anti-terrorism measures at Nigerian ports.

According to a letter dated August 8, 2026 and addressed to the minister of marine and blue economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, the U.S. Assistant Secretary for African Affairs, Frank Garcia Jr., congratulated Nigeria on the milestone.

He said the development followed sustained improvements in Nigeria’s maritime security and compliance with international port security standards.

“The decision is expected to reduce additional security-related costs for shipping companies, improve vessel turnaround and schedule reliability, and strengthen trade between Nigeria and the United States,” he said.

According to him, the decision is evidence of Nigeria’s sustained efforts to strengthen port security and comply with international anti-terrorism requirements.

He noted that the lifting of the restriction followed four comprehensive assessments by the U.S. Coast Guard between March 2024 and April 2026.

Mr Garcia Jr. stressed that the assessments recorded significant improvements in Nigeria’s maritime security framework and implementation of the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code.

“The removal of the restriction would reduce security-related requirements and associated costs for vessels operating between Nigeria and the United States,” he said.

He further noted that it would improve vessel turnaround time and schedule reliability, with the potential to make Nigerian ports more competitive and attractive to international shipping lines.

Mr Oyetola praised President Bola Tinubu’s administration for its support, particularly Mr Tinubu’s decision to prioritise the marine and blue economy as a key pillar of Nigeria’s economic transformation agenda.

He stated that the government would sustain the progress and ensure that Nigerian ports remain safe, secure and competitive destinations for international shipping.