Customs seals vessel over documentation, clearance violations

The Tin-Can Island Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), has sealed a vessel, MT NY Maria, over alleged documentation irregularities and unauthorised discharge of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) also called petrol at the MRS Terminal, Dantata Jetty, Tin Can Island Port, Lagos. The enforcement action, according to Customs authorities, followed the discovery that […]

The Tin-Can Island Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), has sealed a vessel, MT NY Maria, over alleged documentation irregularities and unauthorised discharge of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) also called petrol at the MRS Terminal, Dantata Jetty, Tin Can Island Port, Lagos.

The enforcement action, according to Customs authorities, followed the discovery that the vessel commenced discharge operations without obtaining the required Customs clearance and while still under official Customs seal.

In a statement issued by the Public Relations Officer of the Command, Chief Superintendent of Customs Oscar Ivara, the Command said the vessel had arrived from the Dangote Refinery and was subjected to routine inspection by officers of the Boarding and Rummaging Unit.

During the documentation checks, Customs reportedly discovered that the vessel lacked complete shipping documents, particularly the mandatory Last Port Clearance from the port of origin.

The PRO said the vessel’s representatives were granted time to provide the outstanding documents while the vessel remained under Customs control pending compliance.

He however said intelligence later revealed that discharge activities had commenced at the terminal without authorisation from Customs authorities, prompting immediate enforcement action.

According to him the incident has drawn attention to the importance of regulatory compliance within Nigeria’s maritime and downstream petroleum sectors, especially as government agencies intensify monitoring of cargo movements and port operations to protect revenue and ensure operational transparency.

The Customs maintained that all cargo discharge operations within designated Customs Control Zones must be conducted strictly under official supervision in accordance with the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.

The agency also stated that ongoing investigations would examine both the alleged violation and reports of obstruction encountered by officers during the enforcement exercise.