OIL VESSEL DISCHARGING PMS AT TIN CAN PORT SEALED DUE TO LACK OF APPROPRIATE LEGAL DOCUMENTATION—CUSTOMS
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Tin Can Island Port Command, wishes to address misleading narratives circulating regarding enforcement actions taken on the vessel MT NY Maria, which was found discharging Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) without requisite Customs clearance at the MRS Terminal (Dantata Jetty), Tin Can Island Port. The Service considers it necessary to provide factual clarification of the circumstances surrounding the incident and to reaffirm the legal basis for the actions taken by its officers, in line with the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023 (Act No. 35).
On Saturday, 23 May 2026, officers of the Boarding and Rummaging Unit boarded the vessel upon its arrival from the Dangote Refinery to conduct routine documentation and compliance procedures in line with the provisions of the NCS Act, 2023. During the exercise, it was discovered that the vessel lacked complete documentation, particularly the mandatory Last Port Clearance required from the port of origin. In line with established procedures, officers granted the vessel’s agent a two-day period to provide the outstanding document while the vessel was lawfully sealed and placed under Customs control pending compliance.
Contrary to the directive issued by the Service, officers subsequently received intelligence on Wednesday, 27 May 2026, that the vessel had commenced discharge operations without obtaining the requisite 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 Service wishes to state categorically that the ship master was not arrested at any point but was only invited to make statements as part of ongoing investigations.
The actions taken by officers of the NCS were fully supported by the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, particularly Sections 30 to 35 relating to Customs controls, inspections, examination of goods, verification of documentation, and enforcement within Customs Control Zones. Specifically, Section 31(2)(b) designates international seaports as Customs Control Zones, while Section 31(4) mandates that imported goods must be unloaded, inspected, assessed, and cleared strictly within Customs supervision and authorisation. The discharge of PMS by MT NY Maria without requisite clearance and while under Customs seal constituted a direct violation of Sections 46 to 58 of the Act relating to reporting obligations, goods declaration, presentation of goods, unloading procedures, and release of goods under Customs control.
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 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 NCS remains firmly committed to facilitating legitimate trade while ensuring strict compliance with national fiscal, trade, and security regulations. The Service therefore urges members of the public to rely on verified information from official channels and to avoid amplifying misleading narratives that could undermine lawful enforcement actions and public confidence in regulatory institutions. 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.