By Isreal Adamu, Jos
The Executive Director of Mashiah Foundation, now known as Mashiah Care Initiative, Pastor Bayo Oyebade, has appealed to the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) to release the organization’s container (NYKU4044726), which has been held at the Tincan Island port for over four years, despite fulfilling all clearance conditions.
Pastor Oyebade lamented that the bureaucratic bottlenecks and frustrating delays by Customs officials contribute to why importers divert cargoes to neighboring countries like Togo, as reported by The Guardian on Thursday, 13th February 2025.
A Four-Year Ordeal at Tincan Island Port
Speaking with journalists in Jos, Plateau State, Oyebade narrated how the issue began when SOS International Inc., USA, donated medical equipment to his organization in 2020. The container, carrying hospital equipment, beds, chairs, and a Toyota Yaris car, arrived in Nigeria on 8th January 2021.
“We work with orphans, widows, and vulnerable people, providing medical and humanitarian support. We run a clinic for the less privileged and sponsor about 120 children’s education. This container was a donation to support these efforts,” he explained.
Despite completing all required payments and obtaining an import duty exemption certificate (IDEC) in June 2022, the Customs officials at Tincan Island have refused to release the container.
Millions Spent, Yet No Release
Oyebade disclosed that he has spent nearly ₦12 million on agent fees, customs clearance, and other charges, yet the container remains detained.
“They inspected the container and confirmed the contents were donations. We paid all duties—twice! We even secured the necessary exemption certificate. Still, they refused to release it. Every year, we follow up, yet no explanation is given,” he said.
A Customs officer in Jos, who recently ran a check on the container number, confirmed that all procedures had been followed, yet the container remains unreleased.
A Cry for Presidential Intervention
Oyebade warned that the delays have led to the container being classified as “overtime cargo”, raising fears that it may be forfeited and auctioned to the public.
“This equipment is meant for humanitarian relief. It is unfair that it has been withheld for four years despite following all legal procedures. I appeal to President Bola Tinubu, the leadership of Nigerian Customs, and well-meaning Nigerians to intervene and ensure the release of this container for the sake of the vulnerable people who need these medical supplies,” he pleaded.
The Osun State-born cleric, who has been serving in Plateau State, also decried corrupt practices and inefficiencies within the Customs system, urging reforms to ensure smoother clearance processes for humanitarian organizations.
