The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Tin Can Island Port Command, has clarified circumstances surrounding enforcement actions taken on the vessel MT NY Maria, which was found discharging Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) without requisite Customs clearance at the MRS Terminal (Dantata Jetty), Tin Can Island Port.
The Command, in a statement issued on Thursday, 28 May 2026, said the actions taken by its officers were lawful, procedural, and fully supported by the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.
According to the statement signed by the Public Relations Officer of the Command, Chief Superintendent of Customs Oscar Ivara, officers of the Boarding and Rummaging Unit boarded the vessel on Saturday, 23 May 2026, upon its arrival from the Dangote Refinery to conduct routine documentation and compliance procedures.
During the exercise, the officers reportedly discovered that the vessel lacked complete documentation, particularly the mandatory Last Port Clearance required from the port of origin.
“In line with established procedures, officers granted the vessel’s agent a two-day period to provide the outstanding document while the vessel was lawfully sealed and placed under Customs control pending compliance,” the statement noted.
The Command disclosed that despite the directive, officers later received intelligence on Wednesday, 27 May 2026, that the vessel had commenced discharge operations without obtaining the requisite Customs clearance and while still under official Customs seal.
According to the statement, officers who mobilised to the terminal encountered resistance from security personnel stationed at the facility before eventually gaining access to the premises.
The Service stated that the ship master was directed to immediately discontinue the unauthorised discharge activity and report to the Enforcement Unit to provide official statements regarding the incident, after which the vessel was resealed in accordance with extant procedures.
The Command also clarified that the ship master was not arrested, contrary to claims circulating in some quarters, but was only invited to make statements as part of ongoing investigations into the incident.
Explaining the legal basis for the enforcement action, the Service noted that Sections 30 to 35 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023 empower officers to conduct Customs controls, inspect vessels, examine goods, verify documentation, and enforce compliance within Customs Control Zones.
“The discharge of PMS by MT NY Maria without requisite clearance and while under Customs seal constituted a direct violation of Sections 46 to 58 of the Act relating to reporting obligations, goods declaration, presentation of goods, unloading procedures, and release of goods under Customs control,” the statement added.
The Command also stressed that the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023 empowers officers to board, inspect, detain, and enforce compliance measures on vessels and cargoes operating within Customs-controlled areas.
“The Service will continue to discharge its statutory responsibilities professionally, transparently, and without fear or favour in safeguarding Nigeria’s economic and national security interests,” the statement concluded.
