By SAM OTUONYE
Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, has reaffirmed the Nigeria Customs Service’s (NCS) commitment to facilitating legitimate trade and supporting compliant businesses, assuring Renaissance Africa Energy Limited of the Service’s continued partnership in driving investment, energy security, and national economic growth.
A statement at the weekend said that Adeniyi gave the assurance when the management of Renaissance Africa Energy Limited, led by its Vice President, Production, Meshack Maichibi, paid a courtesy visit to the NCS Headquarters in Abuja, on Wednesday, 8 July 2026,
Congratulating Renaissance on the successful completion of its corporate transition, Adeniyi said the company’s progress demonstrates the capacity of Nigerians to manage and grow strategic national assets. He stressed that the Service exists not to create obstacles for businesses but to facilitate lawful trade while fulfilling its statutory mandate. He added that ongoing reforms under the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) are improving the ease of doing business in Nigeria.
“There is a misconception in some quarters that Customs exists to frustrate businesses. That is not who we are. When legitimate businesses grow, Customs also grows. Our responsibility is to facilitate lawful trade while carrying out our statutory mandate,” Adeniyi said.
The CGC also urged Renaissance to complete the requirements for the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Programme, noting that although the qualification process is rigorous, it offers significant benefits to compliant traders. He assured the company that the Service would continue to remove legitimate trade bottlenecks and provide all lawful support required for businesses that meet regulatory obligations.
Earlier, Maichibi said Renaissance assumed operations in March 2026 following the acquisition of Shell Petroleum Development Company’s onshore assets. He explained that the company is pursuing a vision of securing energy for the future through investments across the upstream, midstream, and downstream segments of the oil and gas value chain. According to him, collaboration with the NCS remains critical to achieving the company’s production targets and long-term investment objectives.
“The support we receive from the Nigeria Customs Service is exceptional. The speed of approvals, professionalism of officers, transparent procedures, and digitalised processes strengthen our operations. We maintain zero tolerance for duty evasion and look forward to sustained collaboration with Customs across all Commands as we work towards achieving our vision,” Maichibi said.
Members of the Renaissance delegation also commended the Service’s trade facilitation reforms, describing the Authorised Economic Operator certification process as rigorous, transparent, and efficient. They noted that continuous engagement by Customs officers, improved digital processes, and operational support across Commands have strengthened compliance, enhanced operational efficiency, and reinforced the company’s confidence in Nigeria’s evolving trade environment.
