US Coast Guard Ends Extra Security Rules for Nigerian Ports

The US Coast Guard has removed Nigeria from its Port Security Advisory, bringing an end to additional security measures that have applied to vessels traveling from Nigerian ports to the United States for the past 12 years.

The change takes effect on August 19 following the publication of a notice in the US Federal Register. Nigeria has now formally been taken off the list of countries whose vessels are subject to Conditions of Entry.

The additional requirements were introduced on June 25, 2014 and applied to vessels entering US waters if they had visited designated ports in Nigeria during any of their previous five port calls.

Ships affected by the measures were required to comply with additional security procedures and faced greater scrutiny before being permitted to enter the United States.

The requirements resulted in extra documentation and inspections, while also contributing to increased costs and potential delays for voyages involving Nigerian ports.

Nigeria’s removal from the advisory follows a series of assessments carried out by the US Coast Guard over the past two years.

Four assessments were conducted in total, taking place in March and April 2024, March 2025 and April 2026.

Nigeria’s minister of marine and blue economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, said the assessments showed that the country had made significant progress in implementing the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code.

The removal of the additional US requirements represents a significant commercial development for Nigeria as the country works to strengthen the competitiveness of its ports against other West African gateways.

According to Oyetola, the measures imposed over the previous 12 years had increased security expenses, inspections, paperwork and delays for ships calling at Nigerian ports. He also said the requirements had contributed to greater insurance burdens for vessels and cargoes associated with the country.

Ending the additional measures is expected to reduce some of these obstacles for US-bound cargoes while potentially improving the reliability of vessel schedules.

The decision comes as the Nigerian government continues wider efforts to strengthen maritime security and improve the efficiency of the country’s ports.

Abuja is seeking to attract more cargo to Nigerian gateways at a time when the country’s ports face increasing competition from newer and expanded facilities elsewhere in West Africa.

Improved security standards and the removal of the additional US requirements could help Nigeria reduce some of the costs and operational challenges associated with international trade through its ports.