The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Tin Can Island Port
command, says it is probing a vessel, identified as MT NY Maria, for
discharging premium motor spirit (PMS) without the required customs clearance
at the MRS terminal (Dantata Jetty) in Tin Can Island port.
In a statement on Thursday, Oscar Ivara, public relations
officer of the command, said the vessel arrived from Dangote refinery and was
boarded by officers of the boarding and rummaging unit on May 23 for routine
documentation and compliance procedures.
According to the statement, officers discovered that the
vessel did not have complete documentation, specifically the mandatory last
port clearance from the port of origin.
The service said the vessel’s agent was granted two days to
provide the outstanding document while the vessel was 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,” the statement reads.
“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.”
‘INVESTIGATIONS INTO INCIDENT CURRENTLY ONGOING’
The NCS said its actions were backed by the Nigeria Customs
Service Act, 2023, particularly provisions relating to customs controls,
inspections, examination of goods, verification of documentation and
enforcement within customs control zones.
The service said international seaports are designated
customs control zones under section 31(2)(b) of the Act, noting that imported
goods must be unloaded, inspected, and cleared strictly under customs
supervision.
According to the statement, the discharge of PMS by the
vessel without clearance and while under customs seal violated provisions of
the law relating to reporting obligations, declaration and presentation of
goods, unloading procedures, and release of cargo under customs control.
The command added that customs officers are empowered under
the Act to board, inspect, detain, and enforce compliance on vessels and
cargoes operating within customs-controlled areas.
“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
NCS said.
“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 service reiterated its commitment to facilitating
legitimate trade while ensuring strict compliance with national fiscal, trade,
and security regulations.v
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