Removal Of 12-year Vessel Restriction On Nigeria Will Cut Shipping Costs, Boost Trade – U.S

The United States government has said the removal of the 12-year Condition of Entry (CoE) imposed on vessels arriving from Nigeria will reduce shipping costs, improve vessel turnaround times, and strengthen trade between both countries. The U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Frank W. Garcia Jr., disclosed this in a letter dated August 26, 2026, addressed to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, congratulating Nigeria on the lifting of the long-standing maritime security restriction. The development followed the United States Coast Guard’s decision announced in August to lift the security restriction on Nigerian-flagged vessels calling at American ports. Garcia said the removal of the restriction was evidence of Nigeria’s sustained efforts to strengthen port security and comply with anti-terrorism requirements, and noted that the development would have direct economic benefits for shipping operators engaged in Nigeria.

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