Customs officers block petrol discharge at MRS TinCan terminal

Officers of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) prevented the discharge of petrol at the TinCan Island terminal of MRS in Apapa, Lagos, on Wednesday.

TheCable understands that the officers faced off with security operatives at the terminal and attempted to arrest the captain of the vessel.

The vessel, Mt Ny Maria, was loaded with 81,200 metric tonnes of PMS.

According to persons privy to the situation, the contested cargo was loaded from Dangote refinery.

The vessel was said to have undergone port, customs, and immigration clearance before discharge began.

“The vessel commenced discharge after receiving NMDPRA and Customs break bulk clearance,” a source said.

In video footage obtained by TheCable, the customs enforcement team was seen engaged in a physical confrontation with security operatives at the terminal.

“They wanted to arrest the captain. No reason was given. The captain obliged with the order to stop the discharge,” the source added.

TheCable understands that the company has engaged the customs leadership over the matter.

Officials at MRS say the delayed discharge of the cargo may attract a daily demurrage cost of $65,000. (TheCable)