NCS Reaffirms Legal Authority For  Temporary Detention of MT NY Maria 

BY KESSIENA SHEPHERDS

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Tin Can Island Port Command, has issued a formal clarification regarding enforcement actions taken against the vessel MT NY Maria, which was discovered discharging Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) without proper Customs clearance at the MRS Terminal (Dantata Jetty), Tin Can Island Port.

On Saturday, 23 May 2026, officers of the Boarding and Rummaging Unit boarded MT NY Maria upon its arrival from the Dangote Refinery to conduct routine compliance checks under the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023 (Act No. 35). During the inspection, the vessel was found lacking mandatory documentation, specifically the Last Port Clearance from its port of origin. Customs officers sealed the vessel and granted its agent two days to provide the missing paperwork.

However, on Wednesday, 27 May 2026, intelligence reports revealed that the vessel had commenced discharge operations despite being under Customs seal and without clearance. Officers mobilised to the terminal, where they faced resistance from security personnel but eventually gained lawful access. The ship master was directed to halt the unauthorised discharge and report to the Enforcement Unit for statements. Customs emphasised that the ship master was not arrested, but only invited for questioning.

This is even as the NCS have declared that its actions were firmly grounded in the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, citing: Sections 30–35: Customs controls, inspections, and enforcement in Customs Control Zones;Section 31(2)(b): Designates international seaports as Customs Control Zones; Sections 46–58: Obligations on goods declaration, unloading procedures, and clearance requirements; and Sections 212, 222, 223, 225, and 226: Empower officers to board, inspect, detain, and enforce compliance measures on vessels.

The Command Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Customs Oscar Ivara in the release explained that violations of above provisions attract sanctions under Part XXXI of the Act, including seizure, forfeiture, detention, and penalties.

The Service reiterated that no vessel, terminal operator, shipping company, or individual is above the law. All stakeholders must comply fully with documentation and clearance requirements before commencing discharge or cargo-handling activities. Investigations into the incident, including obstruction faced by officers, are ongoing.

The NCS urged the public to rely on verified information from official channels and avoid spreading misleading narratives that could undermine lawful enforcement and public confidence in regulatory institutions. The Service reaffirmed its commitment to facilitating legitimate trade while safeguarding Nigeria’s economic and national security interests.