Why Customs sealed PMS-laden vessel at Tincan – Official

The Nigeria Customs Service has stated that it sealed MT NY Maria because the vessel was found discharging premium motor spirit without the requisite Customs clearance at the MRS Terminal at the Dantata Jetty, Tincan Island Port.

In a statement on Thursday obtained by The PUNCH, the Public Relations Officer of the Tincan Island Command of the NCS, Oscar Ivara, Chief Superintendent of Customs, said that the service wishes to address misleading narratives circulating regarding enforcement actions taken on the vessel, MT NY Maria.

Recall that on Wednesday, The Cable reported that officers of the NCS prevented the discharge of petrol at the Tincan Island terminal of MRS in Apapa, Lagos.

The report added that the vessel, MT NY Maria, was loaded with 81,200 metric tonnes of PMS, stressing that the contested cargo was loaded from Dangote refinery.

Reacting to the report, the NCS explained that 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 NCS 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,” Ivara said.

Ivara lamented that, contrary to the directive issued by the NCS, 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.”

He stressed that upon mobilisation to the terminal, officers encountered resistance from security personnel stationed at the facility.

Ivara mentioned that, 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,” Ivara said.

The PRO mentioned that the actions taken by officers of the NCS 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.

Ivara reiterated that 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.

He emphasised that 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,” Ivara added.

He warned that 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.

Ivara maintained that 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,” Ivara warned.

He reiterated that 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 NCS will continue to discharge its statutory responsibilities professionally, transparently, and without fear or favour in safeguarding Nigeria’s economic and national security interests,” Ivara stated.