Nigeria Customs Explains Enforcement Action Against Vessel Over Unauthorised PMS Discharge at Tin Can Port
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Tin Can Island Port Command, has defended its enforcement actions against the vessel, MT NY Maria, following allegations surrounding the discharge of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) without the required Customs clearance at the MRS Terminal, popularly known as Dantata Jetty, in Tin Can Island Port, Lagos.
In a statement issued by the Public Relations Officer of the Command, Chief Superintendent of Customs, Oscar Ivara, the Service said it was compelled to respond to what it described as “misleading narratives” circulating over the incident, insisting that its officers acted strictly within the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.
According to the statement, 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 documentation and compliance checks.
During the inspection, Customs officers reportedly discovered that the vessel did not possess complete documentation, particularly the mandatory Last Port Clearance from its port of origin.
The Service explained that, in line with standard procedures, the vessel’s agent was granted a two-day grace period to provide the outstanding document, while the vessel was sealed and placed under Customs control pending compliance.
The Command, however, disclosed that intelligence reports later indicated that the vessel had commenced discharge operations on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, despite remaining under Customs seal and without receiving the required clearance from the Service.
Customs stated that officers who moved to the terminal to enforce compliance encountered resistance from security personnel stationed at the facility. Despite the obstruction, the officers eventually gained access to the premises and ordered the immediate suspension of the discharge operations.
“The ship master was directed to report to the Enforcement Unit to provide official statements regarding the incident,” the statement said, adding that contrary to reports in some quarters, the ship master was not arrested but merely invited for questioning as part of ongoing investigations.
The Service further explained that the vessel was resealed in accordance with existing procedures.
Providing legal justification for the enforcement action, the NCS cited several provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, particularly Sections 30 to 35, which deal with Customs controls, inspections, examination of goods, and enforcement activities within Customs Control Zones.
The Service noted that international seaports are legally designated as Customs Control Zones under Section 31(2)(b) of the Act, while Section 31(4) requires imported goods to be unloaded, inspected, assessed, and cleared strictly under Customs supervision and authorisation.
According to the Command, the discharge of PMS by MT NY Maria without Customs clearance constituted a direct violation of Sections 46 to 58 of the Act, which address reporting obligations, declaration of goods, unloading procedures, and release of goods under Customs control.
The statement also stressed that Customs officers are empowered under the law to board, inspect, detain, and enforce compliance on vessels operating within Customs-controlled areas.
It referenced Sections 212, 222, 223, 225, and 226 of the Act, which grant officers authority to enter premises, inspect vessels, regulate boarding activities, patrol Customs areas, and detain ships where breaches are detected or reasonably suspected.
The Command disclosed that investigations into the incident, including the alleged obstruction encountered by officers during the enforcement operation, are still ongoing.
The NCS reiterated that no shipping company, terminal operator, vessel, or individual operating within Nigeria’s port environment is exempt from compliance with Customs regulations and operational requirements.
It emphasised that all stakeholders must ensure proper documentation and obtain clearance before engaging in cargo discharge or related activities.
Reaffirming its commitment to facilitating legitimate trade while safeguarding national economic and security interests, the Service urged members of the public to rely on verified information from official channels and avoid spreading inaccurate reports capable of undermining confidence in regulatory institutions.
“The Service will continue to discharge its statutory responsibilities professionally, transparently, and without fear or favour,” the statement added.
