The Nigeria Customs Service, Tin Can Island Port command has defended its enforcement action in sealing the vessel MT NY Maria over alleged discharge of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) without requisite customs clearance at the MRS Terminal (Dantata Jetty), Tin Can Island Port.
The command issued the clarification following claims and a video circulating online alleging that its officers obstructed the discharge of petrol at the terminal.
In a statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Customs Oscar Ivara, the command said its actions were lawful and in line with the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, contrary to what it described as misleading reports circulating in the public space.
According to the statement, officers of the Boarding and Rummaging Unit boarded the vessel on Saturday, May 23, 2026, after it arrived from the Dangote Refinery to carry out routine documentation and compliance checks.
During the exercise, the Command said it discovered that the vessel lacked essential documentation, particularly the mandatory Last Port Clearance from the port of origin. Following this, the vessel was placed under Customs seal, and the agent was given a two-day window to produce the outstanding document.
However, the Service disclosed that intelligence later revealed that the vessel had commenced discharge operations on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, without 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. They directed the ship master to immediately discontinue the unauthorised discharge activity and report to the Enforcement Unit to provide official statements regarding the incident. The vessel was thereafter resealed in accordance with extant procedures, ” the statement said.
The Command clarified that the ship master was not arrested but only invited to provide statements as part of ongoing investigations into the incident.
It further stated that the sealing of the vessel was carried out in accordance with provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, which empowers officers to regulate, inspect, and enforce compliance within Customs-controlled zones.
The Service stressed that the discharge of PMS without Customs clearance constituted a breach of established procedures governing the importation and handling of goods within port facilities.
“It is pertinent to note that the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, empowers officers to board, inspect, detain, and, where necessary, enforce compliance measures on vessels and cargoes operating within Customs-controlled areas. Sections 212, 222, 223, 225, and 226 provide clear legal authority for officers to enter premises, inspect vessels, regulate boarding procedures, patrol freely within Customs areas, and detain ships where violations are established or reasonably suspected.
“Offences of this nature also attract sanctions under Part XXXI of the Act relating to seizure, forfeiture, detention, condemnation, and penalties for non-compliance with lawful directives issued by Customs officers. Investigations into the incident, including acts of obstruction encountered by officers in the course of lawful enforcement, are currently ongoing in line with extant legal and administrative procedures,the statement said.
Reaffirming its commitment to lawful trade facilitation and national security, the NCS urged stakeholders and members of the public to rely on official information and avoid spreading unverified narratives capable of undermining regulatory enforcement.
The Command reiterated that no operator, vessel, or terminal is above the law, adding that it will continue to discharge its statutory responsibilities professionally and without fear or favour.
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