By Funso OLOJO, Editor

The United States Coast Guard’s (USCG) decision to lift the 12-year Condition of Entry (CoE) imposed on vessels calling at Nigerian ports has elicited strong positive reactions from international shipping companies operating in Nigeria, with the carriers describing the development as a major boost to the country’s maritime security credentials and trade prospects.

The shipping lines said the removal of the restriction could improve Nigeria’s image in the international shipping community, facilitate more direct maritime connections with the United States and create fresh opportunities for importers, exporters and shipping operators.

The USCG had imposed the enhanced security regime on vessels that had called at Nigerian ports and were subsequently destined for the United States.

Its removal, according to industry operators, signals growing confidence in the security of Nigeria’s maritime environment after 12 years of additional security requirements.

Reacting to the development, Maersk, one of the world’s largest shipping companies, said the US decision could further strengthen Nigeria’s position in global shipping and encourage carriers to consider expanding their operations.

The Terminal Planning Lead, West Africa, Srijesh Subramanian, described the development as “a welcome move”, saying it would benefit both importers and exporters.

“This is a welcome move which will enable better trade both for the importers as well as the exporters because we have quite a lot of exports going on, lots of Nigerians in the US.

“Shipping companies will be a little more bold in their expansion plans for the future. With the US removal of the Condition of Entry (COE), it is saying that Nigeria looks more like a safer environment than previously perceived,” he said.

Subramanian said the lifting of the restriction reflected improved international confidence in Nigeria’s maritime security, urging the relevant authorities to sustain the gains.

Also reacting, the Nigeria Director of Ocean Network Express (ONE), Stefan Pedersen, congratulated Nigeria on the development, although he noted that the company currently has no direct services between Nigeria and the United States.

“Congratulations to Nigeria on the lifting of the Condition of Entry. It shows the work that NIMASA has been doing all these years has actually paid off, so that is good,” Pedersen said.

According to him, while ONE was not directly affected by the restriction because it does not currently operate direct US services, its removal could make direct trade between Nigeria and the United States easier.

“At the moment ONE does not have any direct sailings to and from the US, so we are not really impacted by this. I’m certain that it would make direct trade with the US through the ports easier.

“When restrictions go away, it usually improves trade, so for our colleagues in the industry that have direct sailings to the US, it’s going to make it easier for them,” he added.

Pacific International Lines (PIL) also welcomed the development, saying it would positively affect Nigeria’s image as a serious maritime country.

The Managing Director of PIL, Ugo Opiah, said the US decision had a significant reputational implication for Nigeria.

“I think it’s a very good one in terms of the image. Of course, the US is categorized as one of, let’s say, the big brother of the world, and most times if you do qualify for things that concern the US, then you are seen as a high-integrity player.

“So for Nigeria, with this being lifted after the number of years that it had been on us, it does give a good sign that we have upped our game in terms of anything to do with security in the maritime industry,” he said.

For Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), the lifting of the restriction could have a more direct operational impact because of its extensive global network and services connecting major ports, including those in the United States.

The Vessel and Terminal Coordinator for MSC, Adesina Omoparuwa, said the restriction had previously necessitated trans-shipment arrangements for some cargo moving between Nigeria and the US.

“Because of this restriction, we have to do some trans-shipments. We do not have direct services to the US like we have now in China.

“Basically, China’s service that we have now, we didn’t have them before. We have to go through trans-shipment ports, but now with this development, it will give us more direct service from the US and opportunities for people that are doing business from the US to come directly down to Nigeria,” Omoparuwa said.

The lifting of the Condition of Entry on vessels that have visited Nigerian ports within their last five port calls and are destined for the United States brings to an end a 12-year regime of enhanced security requirements for such vessels.

The development is also expected to have implications beyond maritime security, particularly for shipping connectivity, cargo routing and Nigeria-US trade.

For industry operators, the removal of the restriction could reduce operational complications associated with additional security requirements and trans-shipment, while creating a more favourable environment for direct shipping services.

The development also represents a significant milestone in the Federal Government’s efforts to strengthen maritime security, improve port competitiveness and restore confidence in Nigeria’s position within the global maritime industry.

However, the reactions from the shipping companies also underline the importance of sustaining the security improvements that led to the US decision, as continued compliance with international maritime security standards will remain critical to Nigeria’s ability to attract more direct shipping services and deepen its participation in global trade.

By Gloria Odion, Maritime Reporter

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has concluded its 2025 recruitment exercise, offering employment to 3,852 successful candidates after more than one year of screening and assessment.

The recruitment exercise, which began with a newspaper advertisement on December 27, 2024, was initially designed to fill 3,927 vacancies across various cadres of the Service.
The exercise attracted a staggering 573,500 applications, out of which 286,697 candidates were shortlisted after the initial screening.

Following several phases of rigorous screening, the number was eventually reduced to 3,853 candidates, with 3,852 candidates completing the final screening and being offered employment.

The final stage of the exercise was conducted at the Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), Gwagwalada, Abuja, where candidates across the different cadres underwent documentation, physical fitness assessment and medical screening.

The two-week final screening exercise, which commenced on Monday, September 7, 2026, ended on Saturday, September 19, 2026.

It covered candidates shortlisted for the Assistant Superintendent of Customs II (ASCII), Inspectorate and Customs Assistant cadres.

The screening was conducted in batches to ensure an orderly process, reduce congestion and improve the overall experience of candidates.

Speaking on the outcome of the exercise, the Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of Human Resource Development, Frank Onyeka, said the Service had introduced measures to address challenges identified during the earlier stages of the exercise and improve the efficiency of the final screening.

“We have put measures in place to reduce congestion and ensure a smoother process this week. The gaps identified last week have been addressed, and we do not expect them to recur this week,” Onyeka said.

He also stressed the need for discipline, responsibility and strict compliance with established procedures throughout the recruitment process.

Also speaking, the Deputy Comptroller of Customs and member of the coordinating team, Adamu Musa, said the exercise recorded significant improvements, with nearly 3,000 candidates screened without any casualty.

According to him, one of the major innovations introduced into the process was the use of personalised screening forms containing candidates’ records from the various stages of the assessment.

“Any candidate that has been shortlisted has a form designed especially for him, unlike in the past where you come, they issue you a form, and then some people along the way go and even change some of the records.

“These forms come with the candidates’ records, including their names and details for sports, medical, documentation, and the checklist of required items. So, once the candidate comes, you just verify what you already have from the system,” Musa explained.

He said the introduction of the personalised forms had helped to strengthen the integrity of the process and reduce the possibility of manipulation of candidates’ records.

Musa further underscored the importance of continuous manpower development in strengthening the capacity of the Service to effectively discharge its responsibilities in national security, border protection, trade facilitation and other statutory functions.

He noted that the expanding responsibilities of the Customs Service made it imperative to continually improve the quality, competence and preparedness of its workforce.

According to him, candidates were assessed against established recruitment criteria, including age, physical fitness and drug screening.

He explained that candidates who tested positive for prohibited substances, exceeded the prescribed age limit or were found to have physical conditions capable of affecting their ability to perform assigned duties could be disqualified, subject to the final decision of the Service management.

Musa also advised candidates and members of the public to rely only on recruitment information published through the official Nigeria Customs Service website and verified social media platforms.

He warned against relying on unverified messages or individuals claiming to possess privileged information about the recruitment exercise, stressing that such channels could expose unsuspecting candidates to fraudulent activities.

The completion of the recruitment exercise marks a major step in the Customs Service’s efforts to expand and strengthen its human resource base, while ensuring that new personnel are selected through a structured, transparent and merit-based process.

Gloria Odion, Maritme reporter 

Former lecturer at the Nigerian Maritime University, Okerenkoko, Delta State, Dr. Charles Okorefe, has been appointed keynote speaker for the 2026 Primetime Reporters’ Annual Lecture and Awards scheduled to hold in Lagos on October 15.

Okorefe’s appointment comes as a strong line-up of senior maritime, ports, logistics and blue economy stakeholders has been assembled for the annual industry gathering.

Among those expected to speak at the event are the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho; Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola; and Director-General of the Nigerian Ports Economic Regulatory Agency (NPERA), Barr. Pius Akutah.

Others are the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Blue Economy and General Manager of the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), Mr. Oluwadamilola Emmanuel; Managing Director of Trucks Transit Park (TTP), Mr. Jama Onwubuariri; and National Coordinator of the National Single Window Secretariat, Mr. Tola Fakolade.

The 2026 lecture, organised by Primetime Reporters, will bring together policymakers, regulators, industry operators and other stakeholders to examine emerging issues shaping Nigeria’s maritime, ports, logistics and blue economy sectors.

The event is themed: “Smarter Gateways, Greener Logistics: Leveraging the Port Community System and National Single Window for Zero-Emission Trade.”

The theme is expected to focus attention on the need to accelerate digital transformation across Nigeria’s ports and logistics ecosystem through greater integration, automation, data sharing and technology-driven trade processes.

Okorefe’s selection as keynote speaker is expected to bring an academic and industry perspective to the discourse, given his experience in maritime education and professional practice.

His presentation is expected to examine the opportunities and challenges associated with developing smarter, more connected and environmentally sustainable maritime gateways, while highlighting the role of digital integration in improving port efficiency and trade facilitation.

Okorefe, who is Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Kamany Marine Services Limited, is the author of ABC of Shipping and Ports’ Operation in Nigeria. He also serves as South-South Coordinator of the Chartered Institute of Transport Administration of Nigeria.

The other speakers are expected to bring sector-specific perspectives to discussions around port administration, maritime regulation, inland waterways transportation, logistics, digital trade facilitation and the implementation of the National Single Window.

Speaking on the significance of the event, Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of Primetime Reporters, Mr. Saint Augustine Nwadinamuo, said the annual lecture would provide a platform for stakeholders to assess ongoing reforms in the maritime sector and develop practical strategies for improving port efficiency and Nigeria’s trade competitiveness.

He said discussions would also focus on reducing cargo dwell time, strengthening trade facilitation and positioning Nigeria as a competitive maritime hub.

Particular attention is expected to be devoted to the Port Community System (PCS) and National Single Window (NSW), which are being developed as key instruments for streamlining cargo clearance, reducing paperwork, enhancing transparency and connecting stakeholders across the maritime and trade ecosystem.

The event will also feature the presentation of the Primetime Reporters’ 2026 Maritime and Blue Economy Awards to individuals and organisations recognised for their contributions to the development of Nigeria’s maritime industry.

Nwadinamuo said the awards would be based on merit, professional track record and measurable contributions to the sector, stressing that they were not for sale.

The 2026 Annual Lecture and Awards is scheduled for Thursday, October 15, 2026, at Rockview Hotels, GRA, Apapa, Lagos, beginning at 10:00 a.m.

A former Director-General of NIMASA, Barr. Temisan Omatseye, is expected to chair the event.

The gathering is expected to attract senior government officials, regulators, terminal operators, freight forwarders, shipping companies, logistics practitioners, academics, professional associations, journalists and other stakeholders across Nigeria’s maritime and trade sectors.

Nwadinamuo called on government agencies, professional associations, corporate organisations, maritime stakeholders and individuals to partner with Primetime Reporters to ensure the success of the 2026 Annual Lecture and Awards.

He said partnership opportunities include advertisement placements in the event brochure and other event materials, sponsorship of the entire programme or specific segments, as well as other opportunities associated with the event.