Nigeria: 12 years of enhanced U.S. inspections for ships come to an end

Ships that have docked at Nigerian ports are no longer subject to the additional security measures imposed upon their arrival in the United States since 2014. Washington believes that lifting these measures will reduce compliance costs and improve shipping times between the two countries.

The measure took effect on August 19, 2026, when the U.S. Coast Guard removed Nigeria from its port security advisory. The so-called “Condition of Entry” required affected vessels to undergo extra inspections if they had called at certain Nigerian ports during their last five port visits.

In a letter dated August 26 and made public this week, the U.S. State Department praised the progress Nigeria has made in port security. Washington indicated that the end of these requirements is expected to reduce security-related burdens, shorten turnaround times, and enhance the reliability of shipping schedules.

The restriction dates back to June 25, 2014. U.S. authorities imposed it after determining that anti-terrorism measures at some Nigerian port facilities were inadequate. The U.S. Coast Guard subsequently conducted four assessments of the country’s maritime security framework between March 2024 and April 2026.

The Nigerian Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy asserts that these assessments found improvements in the implementation of the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code. According to Abuja, the U.S. regime had led to additional inspections and paperwork, entry delays, and higher costs for security, freight, and insurance.

The U.S. decision does not eliminate maritime risks in the Gulf of Guinea. However, it does end the additional security obligations specifically targeting vessels arriving in the United States after a stop at the affected Nigerian ports.