The United States Government has said the removal of the 12-year Condition of Entry imposed on vessels from Nigeria will reduce shipping costs, boost trade and deliver tangible economic benefits to operators in the maritime sector.
The U.S. government also commended Nigeria for sustained improvements in maritime security, particularly its efforts to strengthen port security and comply with international anti-terrorism requirements.
Frank Garcia Jr., Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, conveyed the commendation in a letter addressed to Adegboyega Oyetola, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, congratulating Nigeria on the lifting of the long-standing restriction.
Garcia described the development as evidence of Nigeria’s “sustained strengthening of port security and anti-terrorism compliance.”
He said the United States values its maritime and economic partnership with Nigeria, adding that Washington looks forward to further cooperation with Abuja to promote secure, efficient and mutually beneficial trade between both countries.
The United States Coast Guard had announced in August the removal of the security restriction on vessels arriving in the U.S. from Nigeria, bringing an end to a condition that had remained in place for 12 years.
Reacting to the development, Oyetola attributed the milestone to the leadership and strategic support of President Bola Tinubu, particularly the administration’s decision to make the marine and blue economy a major pillar of its economic transformation agenda.
The minister said the U.S. endorsement further demonstrates the progress recorded in Nigeria’s maritime sector and the potential for the reforms to strengthen the country’s position in international shipping and trade.
