The Nigeria Customs Service has clarified that its decision to seal a tanker vessel, MT NY Maria was because she was found discharging Premium Motor Spirit PMS, at the MRS Terminal located within the Dantata Jetty, Tin Can Island Ports Complex, Apapa without the requisite Customs clearance documents

According to a statement by the Public Relations Officer of the Tin Can Island Command of the Service, Chief Superintendent of Customs, Oscar Ivara, “the Service wishes to address misleading narratives circulating regarding enforcement actions taken on the vessel, MT NY Maria.”

This clarification is sequel to reports in some media outfits alleging that operatives of the Command prevented the discharge of PMS at the MRS terminal located within Tin Can Island Port in Lagos. The report had also claimed that the vessel was laden with 81,200 metric tonnes of the product, insisting that the contested cargo was loaded from Dangote refinery.

Nigeria Customs however explains that the Service considered 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 NCS Act, 2023 (Act No. 35).”

The statement reads in part: “On Saturday, May 23, 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.”

The statement further disclosed that in utter disregard to the directive issued by the Service, the officers were alarmed when they received intelligence on Wednesday, May 27, 2026 that the vessel had commenced discharge operations without obtaining the requisite Customs clearance and while still under official Customs seal.

It was gathered that on receipt of the intel, the officers mobilised to the terminal, only to encounter resistance from security personnel stationed at the facility, as the officers notwithstanding the obstruction, gained lawful access to the premises.

“The officers 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 Service were fully supported by the provisions of the NCS Act, 2023, particularly Sections 30 to 35 relating to customs controls, inspections, examination of goods, verification of documentation, and enforcement within Customs control zones.

“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 NCS 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 statement also read.

The Service however reassured that it would firmly committed to facilitating legitimate trade while ensuring strict compliance with national fiscal, trade, and security regulations.

“The Nigeria Customs 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”, the statement also said.