The Nigeria Customs Service, NCS Tin Can Island Port Command, has clarified the circumstances surrounding enforcement actions taken against the vessel, MT NY Maria, over alleged unlawful discharge of Premium Motor Spirit without Customs clearance at the MRS Terminal, Dantata Jetty, Tin Can Island Port, Lagos.
In a statement issued by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Oscar Ivara, the service described circulating reports on the incident as misleading and reaffirmed that its officers acted 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 May 23, 2026, after it arrived from the Dangote Refinery to conduct routine documentation and compliance checks.
During the inspection, Customs officers reportedly discovered that the vessel lacked complete documentation, particularly the mandatory Last Port Clearance from its port of origin.
The service explained that the vessel’s agent was granted a two-day window to provide the outstanding document, while the vessel was sealed and placed under Customs control pending compliance.
However, the command said intelligence later revealed on May 27 that the vessel had commenced discharge operations without obtaining Customs clearance and while still under official Customs seal.
The statement noted that officers who mobilised to the terminal encountered resistance from security personnel at the facility but eventually gained access and ordered the immediate stoppage of the discharge operation.
Customs further clarified that the ship master was not arrested, contrary to reports, but was only invited to the Enforcement Unit to make statements as part of ongoing investigations into the incident.
The command maintained that its actions were fully backed by Sections 30 to 35 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, which deal with Customs controls, inspections, examination of goods, and enforcement procedures within Customs Control Zones.
It noted that the unauthorised discharge of petroleum products while the vessel remained under Customs seal constituted a direct violation of provisions relating to reporting obligations, goods declaration, unloading procedures, and release of goods under Customs supervision.
The service also cited sections of the law empowering Customs officers to board, inspect, detain, and enforce compliance measures on vessels operating within Customs-controlled areas.
According to the command, investigations into the incident, including alleged obstruction faced by officers during the enforcement exercise, are ongoing.
The service stressed that all operators within Nigeria’s port environment must comply fully with documentation and operational requirements before commencing cargo discharge activities.
The statement reiterated the agency’s commitment to facilitating legitimate trade while enforcing fiscal, trade, and security regulations across the nation’s ports.
