The Tin Can Island Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has sealed off the vessel, MT NY Maria, for allegedly discharging Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) without Customs clearance at the MRS Terminal, Dantata Jetty, Tin Can Island Port. According a statement issued on Thursday by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Oscar Ivara, Customs officers boarded the vessel on May 23, 2026, after its arrival from the Dangote Refinery for routine documentation and compliance checks in line with the NCS Act, 2023.
During the inspection, officers discovered that the vessel lacked key documentation, including the mandatory Last Port Clearance. The statement said Customs granted the vessel’s agent two days to provide the outstanding document while the vessel was sealed and placed under Customs control.
However, intelligence later revealed that the vessel had commenced discharge operations on May 27 without obtaining the required clearance and while still under Customs seal. According to the NCS, officers encountered resistance from security personnel at the terminal but eventually gained access and ordered the ship master to stop the discharge operation immediately.
The ship master was also directed to report to the Enforcement Unit to provide an official statement, while the vessel was resealed pending further investigation. The Service clarified that the ship master was not arrested, stressing that the actions taken were backed by provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, which empowers officers to inspect, detain and enforce compliance on vessels operating within Customs-controlled areas.
The NCS added that investigations into the incident and the alleged obstruction of officers are ongoing, reiterating that all operators within Nigeria’s port environment must comply with documentation and clearance procedures before cargo discharge activities commence.