The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Tin-Can Island Port Command, has defended its enforcement actions involving the vessel, MT NY Maria, following allegations surrounding the discharge of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) without Customs clearance at the MRS Terminal, also known as Dantata Jetty, Tin-Can Island Port.
The command said contrary to reports circulating in some quarters, its officers acted strictly within the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, while carrying out lawful enforcement operations on the vessel.
In a statement issued by the Public Relations Officer of the command, Oscar Ivara, the Service said the vessel arrived from the Dangote Refinery on Saturday, May 23, 2026, and was boarded by officers of the Boarding and Rummaging Unit for routine compliance checks and documentation procedures.
According to the statement, preliminary examination revealed that the vessel failed to provide complete documentation required for clearance procedures.
The command specifically identified the absence of the mandatory Last Port Clearance from the port of origin as a major infraction discovered during the inspection exercise.
Customs said following the discovery, the vessel’s agent was granted a two day window to provide the outstanding document in line with established administrative procedures.
Pending compliance, the vessel was officially sealed and placed under Customs control as provided by law.
However, the command disclosed that officers later received intelligence on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, indicating that discharge operations had commenced on the vessel despite the subsisting Customs seal and absence of official clearance.
The development reportedly prompted immediate mobilisation of enforcement officers to the terminal facility.
The Service stated that officers encountered resistance from security personnel stationed at the terminal during attempts to gain access to the premises.
Despite the obstruction, Customs officers eventually gained lawful entry into the terminal and halted the ongoing discharge operation.
The command said officers subsequently directed the ship master to discontinue all discharge activities and report to the Enforcement Unit for questioning and documentation.
Customs clarified that the ship master was not arrested at any time, contrary to claims in some reports, but was only invited to provide statements as part of ongoing investigations.
Following the intervention, the vessel was resealed by officers pending the conclusion of investigations and compliance procedures.
The Service 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, verification processes, and enforcement within Customs Control Zones.
The statement further cited Section 31(2)(b) of the Act, which designates international seaports as Customs Control Zones under the authority of the Service.
According to Customs, Section 31(4) also mandates that imported goods must be unloaded, inspected, assessed, and cleared strictly under Customs supervision and authorisation.
The command argued that the discharge of PMS by MT NY Maria while still under Customs seal constituted a direct breach of statutory provisions governing cargo declaration, unloading procedures, and release of goods.
Customs further noted that Sections 212, 222, 223, 225, and 226 of the Act empower officers to board vessels, inspect cargoes, patrol Customs areas, regulate movement within controlled zones, and detain vessels where violations are established or reasonably suspected.
The Service disclosed that investigations are continuing into the circumstances surrounding the unauthorised discharge and the reported obstruction encountered by officers during the enforcement operation.
It stressed that no shipping company, terminal operator, vessel, or individual operating within Nigeria’s port environment is exempt from compliance with Customs regulations and statutory procedures.
The command reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Customs Service to facilitating legitimate trade while ensuring full compliance with fiscal, trade, and national security regulations.
It also urged members of the public to disregard misleading narratives capable of undermining confidence in lawful enforcement actions carried out by regulatory agencies at the nation’s ports.
The Service assured stakeholders that it would continue to enforce the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act professionally, transparently, and without compromise in protection of Nigeria’s economic and security interests.