A delegation from the United States Coast Guard has arrived in Lagos to conduct a comprehensive security assessment and review of port facilities in Nigeria.
The visit, which began on Sunday, March 2, 2026, is part of ongoing bilateral cooperation between the U.S. and Nigeria aimed at enhancing maritime security, port infrastructure protection, and countering threats such as piracy, smuggling, and terrorism in the Gulf of Guinea.
The team is expected to engage with officials from the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Nigerian Navy, and other relevant security agencies.
Activities during the review will include:
– Inspections of key port terminals and facilities
– Evaluation of security protocols, surveillance systems, and emergency response capabilities
– Training sessions and technical exchanges on best practices for port security
– Discussions on improving information sharing and joint operations to secure Nigeria’s waterways
The assessment is considered critical amid persistent maritime security challenges in West Africa, including incidents of piracy and illegal activities that affect regional trade and energy supply routes.
This visit follows previous U.S. Coast Guard engagements with Nigeria and reflects continued U.S. support for strengthening Nigeria’s maritime domain awareness and port security standards.
No specific duration for the review has been publicly disclosed, but outcomes and recommendations are expected to inform future capacity-building initiatives and potential assistance programs.
