The United States has lifted a 12-year-old security restriction on vessels calling at Nigerian ports, removing additional requirements that had applied to ships travelling from Nigeria to the US.
The restriction, introduced in 2014, required affected vessels to undergo additional security checks and scrutiny before entering US waters.
The decision follows four US Coast Guard assessments between March 2024 and April 2026, which found significant improvements in Nigeria's maritime security and implementation of international port-security standards.
Nigeria's Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, said the move reflects sustained efforts by NIMASA, government agencies and port operators to strengthen security at Nigerian ports.
The government expects the change to reduce delays and additional operating costs, improve vessel turnaround times and make Nigerian ports more attractive to international shipping lines.
The lifting of the restriction is being seen as a boost for Nigeria's maritime competitiveness and its wider trade ambitions.