The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Tin Can Island Port Command has disclosed that it halted the discharge of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), also known as petrol, from a vessel, MT NY Maria, after discovering that the ship had commenced operations without obtaining the requisite Customs clearance and while still under official Customs seal.
The command said the enforcement action was carried out in accordance with the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, stressing that the vessel was found discharging petroleum products at the MRS Terminal, also known as Dantata Jetty, Tin Can Island Port, without completing mandatory Customs procedures.
In a statement signed by its spokesperson, Chief Superintendent of Customs Oscar Ivara, the service explained that officers of the Boarding and Rummaging Unit initially boarded the vessel on May 23, shortly after its arrival from the Dangote Refinery, to conduct routine documentation and compliance checks.
According to the statement, customs officers discovered that the vessel did not possess complete documentation, particularly the mandatory Last Port Clearance required from its 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 said.
The command noted that despite the directive, intelligence reports later revealed that the vessel had commenced discharge operations on May 27 without securing Customs clearance and while still under official seal.
“Officers who mobilised to the terminal encountered resistance from security personnel stationed at the facility before eventually gaining access to the premises,” the statement added.
Customs said the ship master was immediately directed to stop the discharge operation and report to the Enforcement Unit to provide official statements regarding the incident.
“The vessel was subsequently resealed in accordance with extant procedures,” the Command stated.
The service also dismissed reports suggesting that the ship master was arrested, clarifying that he was only invited to make statements as part of an ongoing investigation.
“The ship master was not arrested as alleged in some quarters. He was invited to provide official statements in connection with the ongoing investigation into the incident,” the statement explained.
Providing the legal basis for its actions, the Command said Sections 30 to 35 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023 empower Customs officers to conduct inspections, verify documentation, examine cargoes and enforce compliance within Customs Control Zones.
“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,” the statement said.
The command further stressed that the Act grants Customs officers powers to board, inspect, detain and enforce compliance measures on vessels and cargoes operating within Customs-controlled areas.
Reaffirming its commitment to regulatory enforcement, the Service said it would continue to safeguard the nation’s economic interests through strict compliance monitoring at the country’s ports.
“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 concluded.
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