• U.S LIFTS 12-YEAR RESTRICTION ON NIGERIAN VESSELS

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, ADEGBOYEGA OYETOLA, has announced that the United States Coast Guard has lifted the Condition of Entry imposed on vessels arriving in the United States from Nigeria.

The restriction, which came into effect on June 25, 2014, required vessels that had visited designated Nigerian ports within their previous five port calls to undergo additional security measures and enhanced scrutiny before accessing U.S. waters.

In a statement released today by the Deputy Director/Head of Public Relations of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, OSAGIE EDWARD, the Minister described the development as a significant milestone in the Federal Government’s efforts to strengthen maritime security, improve port competitiveness and enhance Nigeria’s position in the global maritime industry.

OYETOLA attributed the achievement to sustained efforts by the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, in collaboration with relevant government agencies, port operators, terminal and facility operators, shipping companies and other stakeholders.