The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has defended its enforcement actions involving the vessel MT NY Maria at Tin Can Island Port in Lagos after allegations emerged that Customs officers unlawfully disrupted operations at the terminal.

In a statement issued by the Tin Can Island Port Command, the agency said the vessel was found discharging Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, without the required Customs clearance and while still under official Customs seal.

The Customs command described reports suggesting misconduct by its officers as “misleading narratives” and insisted its actions were fully backed by the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.

According to the statement signed by Chief Superintendent of Customs and Public Relations Officer, Oscar Ivara, officers boarded the vessel on 23 May 2026 after it arrived from the Dangote Refinery for routine inspection and documentation checks.

Customs said officers discovered that the vessel lacked a mandatory Last Port Clearance document from the port of origin.

Officials reportedly granted the vessel’s agent two days to provide the missing documentation while the ship remained sealed under Customs supervision.

However, the agency said intelligence later revealed that the vessel had begun discharging fuel at the MRS Terminal, also known as Dantata Jetty, without obtaining final Customs clearance.

Why the incident matters

The case highlights growing scrutiny over fuel movement and port compliance in Nigeria’s maritime sector, especially as the country seeks to tighten oversight around petroleum distribution, importation, and fiscal regulation.

Nigeria’s ports remain critical to government revenue generation, anti-smuggling operations, and energy security enforcement.

Industry analysts say any breach involving petroleum cargo handling could have broader implications for Customs compliance and confidence in port regulation.

Customs says officers faced obstruction

The NCS said officers encountered resistance from security personnel stationed at the terminal when they arrived to halt the discharge operation.

Despite the obstruction, Customs stated that officers eventually gained access to the facility and instructed the ship master to stop the discharge activities immediately.

The vessel was subsequently resealed pending investigations.

The agency also dismissed claims that the ship master was arrested.

“The ship master was not arrested at any point but was only invited to make statements as part of ongoing investigations,” the statement said.

Legal backing cited by Customs

The Nigeria Customs Service said its officers acted within the powers granted under Sections 30 to 35 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.

The law classifies international seaports as Customs Control Zones and requires imported goods to be unloaded and cleared only under Customs supervision.

The agency also referenced provisions empowering officers to board vessels, inspect cargoes, enter premises, and detain ships where violations are suspected.

Customs warned that offences linked to unauthorised discharge operations could attract sanctions including seizure, forfeiture, detention, and penalties under the law.

Industry reaction and public concerns

The incident has renewed conversations around operational discipline at Nigerian ports and the relationship between terminal operators, shipping companies, and regulators.

Some stakeholders within the maritime sector say the situation underscores the need for stronger digital cargo tracking systems and faster documentation processes to avoid operational disputes.

Others argue that strict enforcement remains necessary to curb revenue leakages and ensure compliance in Nigeria’s congested port environment.

What happens next

The Nigeria Customs Service said investigations into the incident are continuing, including inquiries into alleged obstruction faced by officers during the operation.

The agency reiterated that all stakeholders operating within Nigerian ports must comply fully with documentation and operational requirements before handling cargo.

“The Service will continue to discharge its statutory responsibilities professionally, transparently, and without fear or favour,” the statement added.

Nigeria’s maritime authorities are stepping up efforts to improve navigation safety and maritime security by promoting the use of locally developed nautical charts and hydrographic tools.

The initiative emerged during a working visit by the Hydrographer of the Nation, Olumide Fadahunsi, to the leadership of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency and the National Hydrographic Agency.

Officials from both agencies said stronger collaboration could help improve navigational safety, maritime security, and the management of Nigeria’s territorial waters at a time when the country is seeking to strengthen its blue economy and reduce maritime risks.

Why the collaboration matters

Hydrographic charts are essential tools used by ships and marine operators to navigate waterways safely. Accurate and updated charts help reduce accidents, improve route planning, and support port efficiency.

Nigeria, which handles a significant share of maritime trade in West Africa, has faced persistent concerns over shipping safety, illegal maritime activities, and the need for improved maritime infrastructure.

Speaking during the visit, Rear Admiral Fadahunsi said greater compliance with locally generated hydrographic information would enhance safety standards across Nigeria’s waters.

“Hydrography remains a critical component of maritime safety and national development. Strengthening collaboration between the National Hydrographic Agency and NIMASA will enhance navigational safety, improve maritime security, and support sustainable growth within Nigeria’s maritime domain,” he said.

Industry analysts say improved hydrographic data could also help Nigeria attract more shipping traffic, lower operational risks for maritime operators, and strengthen investor confidence in the sector.

NIMASA outlines safety priorities

The Director-General of NIMASA, Dayo Mobereola, said the agency is focused on improving Maritime Safety Information infrastructure and strengthening enforcement systems.

According to Mobereola, capacity building and institutional partnerships remain central to Nigeria’s maritime development goals.

“At NIMASA, we recognize that effective collaboration among maritime institutions is essential to achieving safer and more efficient waterways. We remain committed to supporting initiatives that strengthen maritime safety, improve operational standards, and enhance the overall growth of Nigeria’s maritime sector,” he said.

The partnership is also expected to support NIMASA’s legal mandate under the NIMASA Act, particularly in ensuring safe navigation through the deployment of updated navigational charts.

Impact on shipping and the economy

Maritime stakeholders say safer waterways could improve cargo movement, reduce insurance costs, and strengthen Nigeria’s position as a regional maritime hub.

Experts also note that improved hydrographic systems are increasingly important as global shipping companies demand higher safety and compliance standards before expanding operations in emerging markets.

Nigeria’s maritime industry remains critical to government revenue generation, international trade, and energy exports, making safety improvements strategically important for the wider economy.

What’s next?

Both agencies are expected to deepen technical cooperation in hydrographic services, data sharing, and maritime safety enforcement.

Observers say future collaboration may also include wider adoption of digital navigation systems, updated marine mapping technologies, and training programmes for maritime professionals.

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) has honoured the President of Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association Nigeria (WISTA Nigeria), Dr. Odunayo Ani, with its prestigious Merit Award in the Members Diamond Category.

The award recognises her contributions to the accounting profession, maritime administration, and national development in Nigeria.

Dr Ani, who also serves as Director of Financial Services at the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), received the honour during an ICAN event attended by senior accountants, professional associates, family members, and industry stakeholders in Lagos.

The recognition highlights the growing influence of women leaders in Nigeria’s maritime and financial sectors, industries traditionally dominated by men.

Why the award matters

ICAN’s Merit Award is regarded as one of the professional body’s highest recognitions for members who have demonstrated excellence, integrity, and long-term service.

For Nigeria’s maritime industry, the recognition also underscores the increasing visibility of professionals bridging finance, governance, and shipping administration.

Analysts say leadership roles occupied by women in strategic sectors such as maritime, finance, and public administration are becoming more influential as Nigeria pushes reforms in trade facilitation and institutional accountability.

Speaking after receiving the award, Dr Ani described the honour as both “humbling and inspiring”.

“I am deeply honoured and sincerely grateful to the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria for conferring on me the ICAN Merit Award in the Members Diamond Category,” she said.

She added that the recognition represented not only acknowledgement of past contributions but also “a renewed call to uphold the ideals of excellence, integrity, professionalism, and service to humanity”.

Recognition across the accounting profession

Dr Ani thanked ICAN leadership, including the President and Chairman of Council, Haruna N. Yahaya; Vice President Queensley Sofuratu Seghosime; Immediate Past President D.C.S. Alaribe; and Registrar/Chief Executive Lanre Olasunkanmi.

She also acknowledged the support of colleagues, mentors, family members, and the Society of Women Accountants of Nigeria (SWAN).

“I am extremely grateful to you all for coming out to rejoice and receive the award with me. God bless you all richly,” she added.

Industry observers say honours such as this can inspire more women to pursue leadership roles in accounting, shipping, and public sector administration.

WISTA Nigeria’s growing influence

Under Dr Ani’s leadership, WISTA Nigeria has continued advocating greater female participation in shipping, logistics, maritime trade, and port administration.

The association is part of the wider global WISTA network, which promotes diversity and inclusion across the maritime sector.

Her dual role at WISTA Nigeria and NIMASA has positioned her as one of the leading voices connecting financial management with maritime sector reforms.

Experts note that strong financial governance remains critical to Nigeria’s ambitions of expanding its blue economy and improving investor confidence in the maritime sector.

What’s next

Dr Ani reaffirmed her commitment to professional excellence and continued service in both the accounting and maritime sectors.

The award is expected to further strengthen her profile within Nigeria’s corporate and public sector leadership circles as conversations around inclusion and institutional growth continue.