Odita Sunday 
Customs Clarifies Enforcement Action Against Vessel Over Unauthorised PMS Discharge
By Odita Sunday
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Tin Can Island Port Command, has clarified the circumstances surrounding enforcement actions taken against a vessel, MT NY Maria, accused of discharging Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) without obtaining the required Customs clearance at the MRS Terminal, Dantata Jetty, Tin Can Island Port, Lagos.
In a statement issued on Thursday by the Public Relations Officer of the Command, CSC OE Ivara, the Service dismissed 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, officers of the Boarding and Rummaging Unit boarded the vessel on Saturday, May 23, 2026, following its arrival from the Dangote Refinery, to carry out routine documentation and compliance checks.
The Customs said preliminary examination revealed that the vessel lacked complete documentation, particularly the mandatory Last Port Clearance from the port of origin.
“During the exercise, it was discovered that the vessel lacked complete documentation, particularly the mandatory Last Port Clearance required from the port of origin,” the statement said.
The Service explained that the vessel’s agent was subsequently 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 it later received intelligence reports on Wednesday, May 27, indicating that the vessel had commenced discharge operations despite still being under Customs seal and without the requisite clearance.
“Contrary to the directive issued by the Service, officers subsequently received intelligence that the vessel had commenced discharge operations without obtaining the requisite Customs clearance and while still under official Customs seal,” the statement added.
The Command further alleged that officers encountered resistance from security personnel stationed at the terminal when they moved to enforce compliance.
“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,” Customs stated.
The Service clarified that contrary to reports in some quarters, the ship master was not arrested but merely invited to make statements as part of ongoing investigations.
The NCS maintained that its actions were backed by relevant sections of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, particularly provisions relating to Customs control zones, inspections, documentation verification, and cargo clearance procedures.
It stressed that imported goods must be unloaded and cleared strictly under Customs supervision and authorisation, noting that any violation attracts sanctions under the law.
“The Service reiterates that no vessel, terminal operator, shipping company, or individual is above the law, and that all stakeholders operating within Nigeria’s port environment are expected to comply fully with documentation, clearance, and operational requirements before commencing discharge or cargo-handling activities,” the statement said.
The Command added that investigations into the incident, including alleged obstruction of Customs officers during the operation, are ongoing.
The Service also urged members of the public to rely on verified information from official channels and avoid spreading narratives capable of undermining lawful enforcement actions.
“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 added.
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