The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has explained why it sealed MT NY Maria, a vessel laden with Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), at Tincan Island Port, Lagos.
Customs said the vessel was caught discharging petrol at the MRS Terminal, Dantata Jetty, without the required clearance and while still under official customs seal.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Public Relations Officer of the Tincan Island Command, Oscar Ivara, said the vessel arrived from Dangote Refinery but failed to present complete documentation, including the mandatory last port clearance.
According to him, Customs officers boarded the vessel on May 23 for routine checks and gave the ship’s agent two days to provide the missing documents while the vessel remained sealed pending compliance.
He disclosed that officers later received intelligence that the vessel had started discharging PMS without customs authorisation.
“Upon mobilisation to the terminal, officers encountered resistance from security personnel stationed at the facility. Despite the obstruction, officers gained lawful access and directed the ship master to immediately stop the unauthorised discharge activity,” Ivara said.
He added that the vessel was subsequently resealed in line with Customs procedures, stressing that the ship master was not arrested but only invited to make statements as investigations continue.
The Customs spokesman maintained that the action taken by officers was backed by the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, which empowers the agency to inspect, detain and enforce compliance on vessels operating within customs-controlled areas.
He warned that no vessel, terminal operator or company is above the law, insisting that all operators within Nigeria’s ports must comply fully with documentation and clearance procedures before handling cargo.
“The service remains committed to facilitating legitimate trade while ensuring strict compliance with national fiscal, trade and security regulations,” he stated.
