The U.S. measure concerned vessels that had stopped at certain Nigerian ports before joining the United States. Its lifting comes after several assessments of Nigeria's maritime security framework and progress in implementing the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code.

The United States has decided to lift the conditions of entry (Conditions of Entry) that have been applied since 2014 to vessels that have recently stopped at several ports in Nigeria. The announcement was made on 18 August 2026 by the Nigerian Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola.

These measures imposed additional security requirements on the vessels concerned and enhanced monitoring prior to their entry into US waters.

Introduced in June 2014 by the US Coast Guard (US Coast Guard), these restrictions were due to deficiencies in the application of international port security standards in Nigeria.

They could lead to additional controls, formalities and safety measures for the vessels concerned. The Nigerian authorities believe that the removal of these restrictions will, inter alia, reduce certain operational constraints associated with ports of call in the country.

The US decision comes after several years of strengthening the Nigerian maritime security system. Between March 2024 and April 2026, the US Coast Guard conducted four assessments of Nigeria's national maritime security system and port facilities.

According to the Nigerian government, these controls have noted progress in implementing the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS).

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), the Nigerian agency responsible for maritime administration and safety, has participated in the implementation of these standards.

The lifting of entry conditions relates to the additional requirements imposed specifically on vessels that have stopped at Nigerian ports covered by the scheme.

The Nigerian Government believes that this decision could help improve ship rotation times and the regularity of maritime services, while reducing certain costs associated with security procedures.

Nigeria also seeks to improve the competitiveness of its port infrastructure and develop its activities related to the maritime economy.