By Oluyinka Onigbinde
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Tin Can Island Port Command, has clarified circumstances surrounding its enforcement action on the vessel, MT NY Maria, over alleged unauthorised discharge of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) at the MRS Terminal, popularly known as Dantata Jetty, Tin Can Island Port.
In a statement issued by the Public Relations Officer of the Command, Oscar Ivara, the Service dismissed what it described as misleading narratives circulating around the incident, insisting that officers acted strictly within the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.
According to the statement, officers of the Boarding and Rummaging Unit boarded the vessel on Saturday, May 23, 2026, immediately after its arrival from the Dangote Refinery, to carry out routine documentation and compliance checks in line with statutory procedures.
The Command disclosed that during the inspection, the vessel was discovered to have incomplete documentation, particularly the absence of the mandatory Last Port Clearance from the port of origin.
Customs noted that following the discovery, the vessel’s agent was granted a two-day window to provide the outstanding document, while the vessel was officially sealed and placed under Customs control pending compliance.
However, the Command stated that intelligence later revealed that the vessel had commenced discharge operations on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, without obtaining Customs clearance and while still under official Customs seal.
The Service explained that officers who mobilised to the terminal to enforce compliance encountered resistance from security personnel stationed at the facility.
Despite the obstruction, Customs officers reportedly gained access to the premises and directed the ship master to immediately halt the unauthorised discharge operation and report to the Enforcement Unit to provide statements regarding the incident.
“The vessel was thereafter resealed in accordance with extant procedures,” the statement noted.
The Command further clarified that contrary to reports making the rounds, the ship master was not arrested but was merely invited to make statements as part of ongoing investigations into the matter.
The NCS maintained that all actions taken by its officers were fully backed by relevant provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, particularly Sections 30 to 35 relating to Customs controls, inspections, examination of goods, verification of documentation, and enforcement within Customs Control Zones.
According to the Service, Section 31(2)(b) of the Act designates international seaports as Customs Control Zones, while Section 31(4) stipulates that imported goods must be unloaded, inspected, assessed, and cleared strictly under Customs supervision and authorisation.
Customs argued that 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, declaration of goods, unloading procedures, and release of goods under Customs control.
The Service also stressed that the law empowers Customs officers to board, inspect, detain, and enforce compliance measures on vessels and cargoes operating within Customs-controlled areas.
It cited Sections 212, 222, 223, 225, and 226 of the Act as providing clear legal backing for officers to enter premises, inspect vessels, regulate boarding procedures, patrol Customs areas, and detain ships where violations are established or reasonably suspected.
The Command further disclosed that investigations into the incident, including acts of obstruction allegedly encountered by officers during the enforcement operation, are ongoing in line with extant legal and administrative procedures.
Reaffirming its commitment to strict enforcement of Customs regulations, the Service warned that no vessel, terminal operator, shipping company, or individual operating within the nation’s port environment is above the law.
It added that all stakeholders are expected to comply fully with documentation, clearance, and operational requirements before commencing discharge or cargo-handling activities.
The NCS reiterated its commitment to facilitating legitimate trade while ensuring strict compliance with national fiscal, trade, and security regulations.
The Service also urged members of the public to rely on verified information from official channels and avoid spreading misleading narratives capable of undermining lawful enforcement actions and public confidence in regulatory institutions.
“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 added.
