Customs impounds vessel over illegal PMS discharge

By Steve Agbota

The Tin Can Island Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), on Thursday, said that it sealed off a vessel, MT NY Maria, for discharging Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) without requisite Customs clearance at the MRS Terminal (Dantata Jetty), Tin Can Island Port.

In a statement issued by the Public Relations Officer of the Command, Oscar Ivara, said that on Saturday, 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.

“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 added.

According to the statement, 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.

However, the statement aaded that they directed the ship master to immediately discontinue the unauthorised discharge and report to the Enforcement Unit to provide an official statement regarding the incident.

“The vessel was thereafter resealed in accordance with extant procedures, saying 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, which relate 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 statement explained.

According to the statement, 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”, the statement reads in part.