United States don lift security restrictions wey dem impose on vessels wey dey come from Nigeria after more than a decade, Marine and Blue Economy Minister Adegboyega Oyetola talk on Tuesday. Dem believe say this step go reduce shipping costs and boost the competitiveness of Nigerian ports.

The restrictions wey dem dey call Conditions of Entry (CoE) US Coast Guard introduce for June 2014. Dem require say vessels bound for the United States wey don recently call some Nigerian ports must follow extra security measures and go through enhanced scrutiny before dem enter US waters.

Coast Guard talk say Nigerian ports no maintain effective anti-terrorism measures, and dem point to gaps for the country's legal framework, oversight by the designated maritime security authority, access control and cargo handling procedures.

Oyetola talk say the decision follow improvements for the maritime security framework and compliance with the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code. US authorities no fit reach immediately for comment.

E go make ports more attractive

The lifting of the restrictions mean vessels wey call Nigerian ports before dem sail go the United States no go again dey subject to the additional security requirements wey the programme impose.

Oyetola say the move go help improve vessel turnaround times, increase schedule reliability and make Nigerian ports more attractive to international shipping lines.

The US Coast Guard carry out four assessments of Nigeria maritime security systems and port facilities between March 2024 and April 2026, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency talk.

Industry participants don long argue say the restrictions dey increase operating costs because of additional inspections, documentation requirements and security procedures, and dem dey cause delays, higher freight rates and increased insurance costs.