The US Coast Guard has removed Nigeria from its Port Security Advisory, ending 12 years of additional security requirements imposed on ships trading from Nigerian ports to the US, according to Splash247. The change takes effect today, August 19, 2026, with a notice in the US Federal Register formally removing Nigeria from the list of countries subject to Conditions of Entry.
What changed
The restrictions had been in place since June 25, 2014, and applied to vessels arriving in US waters after calling at designated Nigerian ports during any of their previous five port calls, Splash247 reported. Ships caught by the rules faced additional security measures and scrutiny before entering the US, adding paperwork, inspections, delays and costs to voyages involving Nigeria.
The removal follows four assessments carried out by the US Coast Guard over the past two years, in March and April 2024, March 2025 and April this year, according to the report.
| Timeline | Event |
|---|---|
| June 25, 2014 | Nigeria added to Conditions of Entry list; extra security measures begin |
| March and April 2024 | First and second US Coast Guard assessments |
| March 2025 | Third assessment |
| April 2026 | Fourth assessment |
| August 19, 2026 | Nigeria removed from Port Security Advisory; changes take effect |
Why it matters for ocean cargo
Nigeria’s minister of marine and blue economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, said the inspections demonstrated significant improvements in the country’s implementation of the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code.
Oyetola said the extra US requirements had for more than a decade increased security costs, inspections, documentation and delays for ships using Nigerian ports, while also contributing to higher insurance burdens, according to Splash247. Their removal should improve schedule reliability and lower some of the friction associated with US-bound cargoes, he said.
For freight forwarders, logistics managers and ocean carriers, this takes away a compliance layer that added time and cost to every affected voyage on the Nigeria–US lane. Vessels that previously called a designated Nigerian port were subject to additional US Coast Guard scrutiny on their next five port calls; that requirement is now gone.
Who is affected
The decision is an important commercial win for Nigeria as it tries to make its ports more competitive with rival West African gateways, Splash247 reported. The move comes amid a broader push by Abuja to improve maritime security and port efficiency, with the government attempting to win back cargo that has increasingly been contested by newer and expanded facilities elsewhere in West Africa.
What shippers and operators should do
- Update voyage-planning and compliance checklists for US-bound cargo from Nigerian ports; Conditions of Entry requirements no longer apply as of today.
- Review customs broker instructions to remove Nigeria-specific security documentation linked to the Port Security Advisory.
- Monitor schedule reliability on the Nigeria–US lane; Oyetola said the removal should reduce delays and insurance burdens.
Watch list
According to Splash247, Nigeria is working to make its ports more competitive and to improve maritime security under the ISPS Code. Further US Coast Guard assessments may be expected as the country seeks to maintain its improved standing, and cargo flows to and from West African gateways will be closely watched.
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