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Relief as USCG lifts 12-year condition of entry on Nigerian vessels

Funso OLOJO, Editor

Relief has come to Nigeria’s shipping industry as the United States Coast Guard (USCG) has lifted the 12-year-old Condition of Entry (CoE) imposed on vessels arriving in the United States after calling at Nigerian ports.

The landmark development, announced by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, ends more than a decade of enhanced security requirements imposed on vessels trading between Nigeria and the United States.

The decision is being viewed as a major vote of confidence in Nigeria’s maritime security architecture and a significant boost for the competitiveness of Nigerian ports.

The CoE, which came into effect on June 25, 2014, required vessels destined for the United States that had called at designated Nigerian ports within their previous five port calls to undergo additional security measures and enhanced scrutiny before being allowed into U.S. waters.

Oyetola said the removal of the restriction represented a strong affirmation of the progress Nigeria had made in strengthening maritime security and implementing the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code across its ports and maritime facilities.

He attributed the breakthrough to sustained efforts by the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, through the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), in collaboration with government agencies, port operators, terminal and facility operators, shipping companies and other industry stakeholders.

According to the Minister, the stakeholders worked systematically to strengthen Nigeria’s maritime security framework, close identified gaps and demonstrate sustained compliance with internationally accepted security standards.

The lifting of the restriction followed four comprehensive assessments conducted by the United States Coast Guard over the past two years.

The assessments were undertaken on March 11–13, 2024, April 15–19, 2024, March 15–21, 2025, April 13–17, 2026

The assessments covered Nigeria’s national maritime security framework and port facilities and, according to the Minister, demonstrated significant improvement in the country’s maritime security performance and implementation of the ISPS Code.

The positive outcome ultimately paved the way for the withdrawal of the Condition of Entry.

Oyetola described the development as a major milestone for Nigeria’s maritime sector and a reflection of sustained regulatory oversight, institutional collaboration and investment in maritime security.

“The lifting of the Conditions of Entry is a major milestone for Nigeria’s maritime sector. It is a strong affirmation of the progress we have made in strengthening maritime security and implementing the ISPS Code across our ports and facilities,” the Minister said.

He added: “We are committed to sustaining this momentum and ensuring that Nigeria remains a safe, secure and competitive destination for international shipping”

The Minister commended the Director-General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, and his team for their contribution to the achievement.

He said the lifting of the restriction demonstrated the positive impact of effective regulation, stakeholder collaboration and sustained investment in maritime security.

The development is particularly significant for NIMASA, which is responsible for driving compliance with international maritime safety and security standards within Nigeria’s maritime domain.

Beyond its immediate security implications, the lifting of the CoE could have far-reaching commercial consequences for Nigeria’s maritime economy.

For more than a decade, vessels that had called at Nigerian ports before proceeding to the United States were subjected to additional security and operational requirements.

The regime translated into additional inspections, documentation, security measures and potential delays, increasing operational costs for shipping companies and creating concerns about vessel turnaround time and schedule reliability.

With the restriction now lifted, vessels calling at Nigerian ports and subsequently sailing to the United States will no longer be subjected to the additional USCG security requirements imposed specifically under the CoE.

The development is expected to improve vessel turnaround and schedule reliability while reducing costs associated with additional inspections, documentation and security procedures.

It could also make Nigerian ports more attractive to international shipping lines, potentially encouraging increased vessel calls, trade flows and investment.

For Nigerian ports already battling to improve their competitiveness against regional rivals, the decision represents a major reputational and operational gain.

The lifting of the CoE also carries an important symbolic value.

For 12 years, the restriction served as an international reminder of deficiencies identified in Nigeria’s maritime security environment. Its removal now provides evidence that the country has made measurable progress in addressing those concerns.

The challenge, however, is to ensure that the achievement is sustained.

Nigeria will need to maintain rigorous enforcement of the ISPS Code, strengthen port facility security, sustain regulatory oversight and prevent a relapse into the weaknesses that triggered the restriction in the first place.

For Oyetola and the maritime administration, therefore, the lifting of the CoE is not the end of the journey but a new benchmark.

If sustained, the breakthrough could help Nigeria attract more shipping activity, reduce avoidable costs, improve port efficiency and strengthen the country’s position in the global maritime economy.

After 12 years of heightened scrutiny, Nigeria’s maritime sector now has a fresh opportunity to turn improved security credentials into greater port competitiveness, increased trade and stronger participation in international shipping.

Headlines

Germany-Nigeria film week ends on high note, honours Schlöndorff, Musawa, Gani Adams, others

Funso OLOJO, Editor

The inaugural Germany-Nigeria Film Week has concluded successfully after ten days of film screenings, industry engagements, cultural exchanges and award presentations across four German cities, marking a significant step towards strengthening cinematic collaboration between Nigeria and Germany.

Held from October 1 to 10, 2026, the festival brought together filmmakers, government representatives, cultural institutions and creative industry stakeholders from both countries to promote cross-cultural engagement, explore co-production opportunities and expand the international reach of Nigerian cinema.

The festival opened on October 1 at the Arsenal Film Institut in Berlin with the screening of The Chronicles of Afrobeats, directed by Nigerian filmmaker and music executive Oluseun John Abisagboola, popularly known as Bankuli.

The opening ceremony featured a fireside chat between the Managing Director of the Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC), Ali Nuhu, and the Executive Director of the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), Dr. Shaibu Husseini.

Their discussion examined the growth of Nigeria’s film industry, international partnerships and opportunities for deeper collaboration between Nigerian and German filmmakers.

Among the dignitaries at the event were Nigeria’s Ambassador to Germany, Senator Ita Enang, and the Director of Arsenal Film Institut, Stefanie Schulte Strathaus, alongside filmmakers, producers and other creative industry stakeholders.

A major highlight of the Berlin programme was the presentation of a Lifetime Achievement Award to renowned German filmmaker Volker Schlöndorff in recognition of his contributions to international cinema. His distinguished career spans several decades and includes documentary filmmaking in Africa, including Nigeria.

The Honourable Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, also received a Special Recognition Award for her contributions to the development and promotion of Nigeria’s creative industry. The award was received on her behalf by Dr. Husseini.

From Berlin, the festival moved to Hannover, where SONNENKINDFILM e.V., led by Michael Davies, co-founder of the Germany-Nigeria Film Week, hosted a press conference attended by festival delegates, filmmakers and industry representatives.

During the Hannover programme, a Special Recognition Award was presented to Chief Gani Adams, the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, in recognition of his contributions to promoting and preserving African culture and heritage.

The city also hosted screenings of Nigerian productions, including Amanyanabo: The Eagle King, produced by veteran Nollywood actress and filmmaker Ibinabo Fiberesima and directed by Fred Amata and Ibinabo Fiberesima.

Another featured production was Evi, directed by Uyoyou Adia. Adia received an award in recognition of her creativity and artistic achievement in directing the film, while Fiberesima was also honoured for her contributions to the Nigerian film industry.

The festival subsequently extended to Bremen and Hamburg, further showcasing Nigerian filmmaking to German audiences.

Love and New Notes, directed by Kayode Kasum, was screened in both cities, while On Different Grounds, directed by Mildred Okwo, was screened in Bremen.

The Germany-Nigeria Film Week was founded by Mykel Parish Ajaere of Nigeria’s Pan-African Film Development & Advancement Foundation (PAFDAF) and Michael Davies of Germany’s SONNENKINDFILM e.V.

The initiative was established to create a sustainable platform for filmmakers from both countries to exchange ideas, build professional relationships, develop co-production partnerships and explore international distribution and other commercial opportunities.

Beyond showcasing films, the festival seeks to strengthen cultural relations between Nigeria and Germany while providing Nigerian filmmakers with greater access to European audiences and international industry networks.

The organisers said the inaugural edition received institutional and logistical support from the Office of the Mayor of Hannover, Arsenal Film Institut Berlin, KoKi Cinema Hannover, City 46 Cinema Bremen and Metropolis Kino Hamburg.

The Nigerian Film Corporation and the National Film and Video Censors Board also supported the initiative, reinforcing its objective of building sustainable partnerships between the two countries’ film industries.

With its inaugural edition completed, the organisers have scheduled the second Germany-Nigeria Film Week for October 4–9, 2027. The next edition is expected to feature expanded programming, broader industry participation and stronger international partnerships.

The successful conclusion of the maiden festival underscores the potential of cinema as a vehicle for cultural diplomacy, creative-sector development and stronger economic ties between Nigeria and Germany.

Headlines

Dredgers association disowns extortion allegations against Lagos commissioner

Alebiosu and Akpomejero

Funso OLOJO, Editor

The Dredgers Association of Nigeria (DAN) has disowned a media report alleging extortion, harassment and intimidation of dredgers and tipper operators by the Lagos State Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Hon. Ekundayo Alebiosu and Mr. Cardozo.

The association, in a disclaimer issued on Friday, October 23, 2026, said the report, published by Linda Ikeji’s Blog and other online platforms under the headline “Dredgers Association Appeals to Sanwo-Olu Over Alleged Extortion, Urges Governor to Call Alebiosu, Cardozo to Order,” did not originate from its national leadership or any authorised organ of the association.

DAN stated categorically that it neither authorised nor approved any petition or press release accusing the commissioner and Cardozo of harassment, intimidation or extortion.

It also denied having any record of the alleged impounding of trucks and the purported demand for ₦500,000, which featured in the publication.

The association, therefore, distanced itself entirely from the allegations, urging the public and relevant stakeholders not to regard the report as an official statement of its position.

Reaffirming its relationship with the Lagos State Government under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, DAN described its engagements with the government and the Ministry of Waterfront Infrastructure Development as cordial and collaborative.

According to the association, issues concerning dredging regulations and the interpretation of Supreme Court judgments on shoreline authority are being addressed through appropriate institutional channels and dialogue with relevant federal and state authorities.

It stressed that such matters were being handled through established processes rather than media confrontations.

DAN consequently urged the Lagos State Government, Alebiosu and other stakeholders to disregard the publication in its entirety, insisting that it did not represent the association’s official position.

The association also expressed regret over any embarrassment, inconvenience or reputational damage the report might have caused the Lagos State Government, the commissioner and other officials mentioned.

Reaffirming its commitment to responsible industry engagement, DAN said it remained dedicated to promoting lawful and sustainable dredging operations across Nigeria through constructive collaboration with relevant authorities and stakeholders.

The disclaimer was signed by the association’s National President, Batare Akpomejero, and National Secretary, Richard Ntan.

Headlines

Tinubu reaffirms support for tourism reforms, receives Nigeria’s highest tourism honour

Funso OLOJO, Editor

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to tourism development and hospitality sector reforms, pledging continued support for initiatives aimed at unlocking the industry’s economic potential and positioning it as a major contributor to Nigeria’s non-oil economy.

The President gave the assurance on Thursday, October 22nd, 2026, during a meeting with the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), Aare Abisoye Fagade, who briefed him on ongoing efforts to strengthen professional standards, develop industry skills and improve service delivery across the tourism, hospitality and travel sectors.

The engagement also featured the presentation of the Grand Fellow of National Hospitality and Tourism (GFNHT) to President Tinubu by Fagade.

The distinction, conferred by NIHOTOUR, is described by the institute as the highest singular honour in Nigeria’s tourism sector.

The meeting comes amid efforts to reposition tourism as a viable instrument for economic diversification, employment generation, investment attraction and enterprise development.

During his briefing, Fagade highlighted the institute’s ongoing reforms, particularly the implementation of the NIHOTOUR Act 2022, which provides a framework for strengthening professional standards, promoting accountability and improving the quality of services across the industry.

He explained that the reforms were designed to build a more structured and professional tourism ecosystem capable of attracting investment, creating jobs and enhancing Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global tourism market.

According to him, Nigeria’s tourism potential extends far beyond leisure and recreation, offering significant opportunities for economic growth through hospitality, travel services, skills development and related businesses.

Fagade stressed that unlocking these opportunities would require sustained investment in human capital, effective institutional oversight and closer collaboration between government and private-sector operators.

“Our responsibility is to build the professional and institutional foundations that will enable Nigeria’s tourism potential to translate into jobs, investment and sustainable economic growth. ”

The President’s continued support is important to advancing these reforms and positioning the sector for greater national impact,” he said.

He noted that improving professional competence and establishing credible regulatory standards were essential to building public confidence, strengthening service delivery and creating an environment in which tourism businesses could thrive.

The NIHOTOUR chief executive added that a more professional and competitive industry would enhance Nigeria’s capacity to attract domestic and international visitors while expanding opportunities for entrepreneurs and other stakeholders across the tourism value chain.

The President’s pledge of continued support, according to the institute, underscores the importance of tourism within the Federal Government’s broader economic development strategy.

The sector aligns with the objectives of the Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly its emphasis on diversifying the economy, generating employment and developing productive sectors beyond oil.

With its potential to stimulate hospitality businesses, transport services, cultural enterprises and other supporting industries, tourism is increasingly being viewed as an avenue for broadening Nigeria’s economic base and creating opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises.

NIHOTOUR reaffirmed its commitment to working with government institutions and private-sector stakeholders to advance the reforms, strengthen professional training and promote standards that can support a globally competitive tourism industry.

The institute said its objective was to build a more professional, accountable and internationally recognised sector capable of generating sustainable economic value and delivering lasting benefits to Nigerians.