Trump’s administration commends Nigeria on Removal of 12-Year Condition of Entry for VesselsThe United States government has commended Nigeria for its sustained maritime security reforms, which culminated in the lifting of the 12-year Condition of Entry (CoE) imposed on vessels visiting the United States from Nigeria.
The U.S. government said the development will deliver tangible benefits to shipping operators, reduce shipping costs and strengthen trade between the two countries.
The special adviser to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, Mr Bolaji Akinola in a statement Sunday stated that the letter dated August 26, 2026 and addressed by the U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Frank W. Garcia Jr., formally congratulated Nigeria on the milestone.
He described it as evidence of the country’s “sustained strengthening of port security and anti-terrorism compliance.”
He said the letter provided a fresh endorsement from Washington following 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.
Garcia highlighted the economic significance of the decision, stating that the removal of the restriction “will reduce security-related requirements and associated costs for vessels operating between our two countries.”
The senior U.S. diplomat said the change will also improve turnaround times and schedule reliability for vessels engaged in Nigeria-U.S. trade.
The letter reads in part: “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.”
