Customs Seal MT Ny Maria for Illegal Petrol Discharge

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) sealed the MT Ny Maria vessel on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, for discharging premium motor spirit (petrol) without the necessary customs clearance at Tincan Island Port. Mr. Termin Dantata, a representative of the NCS, stated that the vessel was found to lack complete documentation, particularly the mandatory last port clearance required from its port of origin.

The NCS had granted the vessel's agent a two-day period to provide the outstanding documents, but the vessel commenced discharge operations without compliance. NC Oscar Ivara, Chief Superintendent of the Customs Service, noted that the enforcement unit encountered resistance from security personnel at the facility while attempting to halt the unauthorized discharge.

The vessel was subsequently resealed in accordance with established procedures. Ivara emphasized that the actions taken were in line with the Nigeria Customs Act of 2023, which empowers officers to inspect and detain vessels operating within customs control areas.