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 the 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 Command’s Public Relations Officer, CSC OE Ivara, the Service dismissed circulating reports suggesting unlawful conduct by Customs officers, insisting that all actions taken were in strict compliance with 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, upon its arrival from the Dangote Refinery, to carry out routine documentation and compliance checks. During the exercise, Customs officers discovered that the vessel lacked complete documentation, particularly the mandatory Last Port Clearance from the 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, Customs said intelligence later revealed that the vessel had commenced discharge operations on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, without obtaining the necessary Customs clearance and while still under official Customs seal.
“Upon mobilisation to the terminal, officers encountered resistance from security personnel stationed at the facility. Notwithstanding the obstruction, officers gained lawful access to the premises and directed the ship master to immediately discontinue the unauthorised discharge activity,” the statement said.
The Command further clarified that the ship master was not arrested, contrary to reports in some quarters, but was only invited to provide statements as part of ongoing investigations. The vessel was subsequently resealed in line with established procedures.
The NCS stated that its actions were fully supported by Sections 30 to 35 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, which relate to Customs controls, inspections, examination of goods, verification of documentation, and enforcement within Customs Control Zones.
The Service noted that Section 31(2)(b) designates international seaports as Customs Control Zones, while Section 31(4) mandates that imported goods must be unloaded, inspected, assessed, and cleared strictly under Customs supervision and authorisation.
According to the statement, the discharge of PMS from the vessel without requisite clearance constituted a violation of relevant provisions of the Act governing reporting obligations, goods declaration, unloading procedures, and release of goods under Customs control.
The Command also cited Sections 212, 222, 223, 225, and 226 of the Act, which empower Customs officers to board, inspect, detain, and enforce compliance on vessels and cargoes operating within Customs-controlled areas.
Investigations into the incident, including alleged obstruction encountered by officers during the enforcement operation, are ongoing.
The Service reiterated that no vessel, terminal operator, shipping company, or individual is above the law, stressing that all stakeholders operating within Nigeria’s port environment must comply fully with documentation, clearance, and operational requirements before commencing cargo discharge or handling activities.
The NCS reaffirmed its commitment to facilitating legitimate trade while ensuring strict compliance with national fiscal, trade, and security regulations.
The Command 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.
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