Oyetola credits Tinubu as US lifts 12-year condition of entry on Nigerian vessels

Stanley Ihedigbo

United States Government has commended Nigeria for its sustained reforms in maritime security and port safety, following the removal of a 12-year Condition of Entry (CoE) imposed on vessels travelling from Nigeria to the United States.

The development, according to Washington, will deliver significant benefits to shipping operators, reduce security-related costs and strengthen maritime trade between Nigeria and the United States.

In a letter dated August 26, 2026, addressed to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, the U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Frank W. Garcia Jr., congratulated Nigeria on the milestone.

According to the Special Adviser to the Honourable Minister, Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Bolaji Akinola, Garcia described the development as evidence of Nigeria’s “sustained strengthening of port security and anti-terrorism compliance.”

The letter followed the United States Coast Guard’s decision, announced in August, to lift the long-standing security restriction on vessels arriving in the United States from Nigeria.

According to the senior U.S. diplomat, the removal of the restriction would reduce security-related requirements and associated costs for vessels operating between the two countries.

He added that the decision would improve vessel turnaround times and schedule reliability for shipping lines engaged in Nigeria-U.S. trade.

“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,” Garcia stated.

“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.”

Garcia also acknowledged the contribution of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) to the years-long engagement with the U.S. Coast Guard.

“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,” he said.

Responding to the development, Minister Oyetola attributed the achievement to the leadership and strategic support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, particularly the administration’s decision to make the marine and blue economy a key component of its economic transformation agenda.

Oyetola described the removal of the Condition of Entry as a major milestone for Nigeria’s maritime sector and a strong affirmation of the progress recorded in maritime security, port protection and international regulatory compliance.

The Minister said the development demonstrated the importance of sustained engagement with international maritime partners in addressing security concerns and improving Nigeria’s standing in global shipping.

He also commended NIMASA for its central role in the long-running collaboration with the U.S. Coast Guard, which contributed to addressing the concerns that led to the security restriction.

“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.

The Federal Government is expected to leverage the development to further strengthen Nigeria’s position as a competitive maritime hub while deepening trade and economic relations with the United States.

The lifting of the 12-year restriction is also expected to enhance confidence among international shipping operators and support the Federal Government’s broader efforts to unlock the economic potential of Nigeria’s marine and blue economy.