The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Tin Can Island Port Command, has defended its enforcement action on the MT NY Maria, insisting the vessel attempted to discharge Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) without proper clearance and while under Customs seal.
The Service said on Thursday that its officers boarded the vessel on May 23, 2026, after it arrived from the Dangote Refinery, during which it was found to be lacking critical documentation, including the mandatory Last Port Clearance.
The vessel was subsequently placed under Customs control and sealed, while its agent was given time to produce the outstanding documents.
According to Customs, the situation escalated on May 27 when intelligence indicated that the vessel had begun discharging fuel at the MRS Terminal (Dantata Jetty) “without obtaining the requisite Customs clearance and while still under official Customs seal.”
Officials said they immediately mobilised to the terminal, where they encountered resistance from security personnel before gaining access and ordering a halt to the operation. Related News South East Commission names 25 startup winners for $50m venture capital programme Emirates suspend Sallah Durbar amid rising tension in Kano BusinessDay’s Chisom Michael, 40 others receive INMA Africa Elevate 2026 Scholarship
