“FUEL OFFLOADED UNDER SEAL”: CUSTOMS ACCUSES MT NY MARIA OF BREACH, DENIES ARREST
GREATRIBUNETVNEWS–TIN-CAN Island command says vessel acted without clearance and faced resistance at jetty
Key Issues:
1. Customs Says Vessel Discharged Fuel Without Clearance
_”The Nigeria Customs Service at Tin-Can Island Port has said that it lawfully sealed and resealed the vessel MT NY Maria after it began discharging Premium Motor Spirit without clearance, and denies claims that the ship master was arrested.”
2. Missing Last Port Clearance Found During Inspection
_”The Command’s Public Relations Officer, CSC Oscar Ivara, said officers from the Boarding and Rummaging Unit boarded the vessel on Saturday, 23 May 2026, after it arrived from Dangote Refinery for routine documentation checks. In a statement, it said during the inspection, officers found the vessel lacked a mandatory Last Port Clearance from its port of origin. The agent was given two days to produce the document, while the vessel was sealed and placed under Customs control pending compliance, Ivara said.”
3. Unauthorised Discharge Started While Vessel Was Still Sealed
_”On Wednesday, 27 May, Customs received intelligence that the vessel had started discharging PMS without clearance and while still under seal. When officers arrived at the MRS Terminal, Dantata Jetty, they met resistance from security personnel at the facility but gained access, the statement added.”
4. Ship Master Invited for Statement, Not Arrested
_”The ship master was directed to stop the unauthorised discharge and report to the Enforcement Unit to make a statement,” Ivara said. “The vessel was thereafter resealed. The Service wishes to state categorically that the ship master was not arrested at any point but was only invited to make statements as part of ongoing investigations.”
Ivara cited Sections 30 to 35 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, which cover Customs control zones, inspections, and the requirement that imported goods be unloaded and cleared under Customs supervision. He said discharging fuel without clearance while under seal violated Sections 46 to 58 of the Act on reporting, declaration, and release of goods.
Sections 212, 222, 223, 225 and 226 also empower officers to board, inspect, enter premises and detain vessels where violations are suspected, he noted.
He said offences attract sanctions under Part XXXI of the Act, including seizure, forfeiture and penalties.
Investigations into the incident and the reported obstruction are ongoing, the Command said.
“No vessel, terminal operator, shipping company, or individual is above the law,” Ivara said. “All stakeholders are expected to comply fully with documentation, clearance, and operational requirements before commencing discharge.”
He urged the public to rely on official channels and avoid spreading narratives that could undermine lawful enforcement
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