Tin Can Customs Clarifies Enforcement Action on Vessel Discharging PMS Without Clearance

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Tin Can Island Port Command, has clarified the circumstances surrounding enforcement actions taken against the vessel MT NY Maria, which was intercepted discharging Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) without the required  Service clearance at the MRS Terminal (Dantata Jetty), Tin Can Island Port.

In a statement issued on Thursday, 28 May 2026, by the Command’s spokesperson, Chief Superintendent of Customs Oscar Ivara, the Command maintained that its officers acted lawfully, procedurally, and strictly within the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.

It explained that officers of the Boarding and Rummaging Unit boarded MT NY Maria on Saturday, 23 May 2026, upon its arrival from the Dangote Refinery for routine documentation and compliance checks.

During the exercise, the officers reportedly discovered that the vessel’s paperwork was incomplete, specifically, the mandatory Last Port Clearance from the port of origin was missing.

“In line with established procedures, officers responded by granting the vessel’s agent a two-day window to produce the outstanding document. The vessel was simultaneously sealed and placed under Customs control pending compliance”.

The window, however, was not honoured, the command noted saying “By Wednesday, 27 May 2026, Customs intelligence indicated that MT NY Maria had commenced discharge operations, still bearing an official Customs seal and without any clearance having been obtained.

“Officers who mobilised to the terminal were met with resistance from security personnel at the facility.

“They nonetheless gained lawful access to the premises, ordered the ship master to halt the unauthorised discharge immediately, and directed him to report to the Enforcement Unit to make official statements. The vessel was subsequently resealed”.

The Command also clarified that the ship master was not arrested, but only invited to make statements as part of ongoing investigations into the incident.

While explaining the legal basis for the enforcement action, the Service cited section 30 to 35 of the NCS Act, 2023, which empower officers to conduct Customs controls, inspect vessels, examine goods, verify documentation, and enforce compliance within designated Customs Control Zones.

“The discharge of PMS by MT NY Maria without clearance and while under an official Customs seal constituted a direct violation of Sections 46 to 58 of the Act, provisions covering reporting obligations, goods declaration, unloading procedures, and the release of goods under Customs control,” the statement reads.

It stated that the Act empowers officers to board, inspect, detain, and enforce compliance measures on vessels and cargoes operating within Customs-controlled areas.

With investigations ongoing into the obstruction its officers encountered, the Command issued a firm reminder to all port stakeholders that compliance with documentation, clearance, and operational requirements before commencing discharge or cargo-handling activities is non-negotiable.

“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.