By Peace Udugba
The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adewale Adeniyi, has reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to facilitating legitimate trade and supporting compliant businesses, assuring Renaissance Africa Energy Limited of continued partnership to boost investment, energy security, and national economic growth.
Adeniyi gave the assurance on Wednesday during a courtesy visit by the management of Renaissance Africa Energy Limited, led by its Vice President, Production, Meshack Maichibi, to the NCS Headquarters in Abuja.
Congratulating Renaissance Africa on the successful completion of its corporate transition, the Customs boss said the company’s growth reflects the capacity of Nigerians to manage and expand strategic national assets.
He stressed that the Nigeria Customs Service is not an obstacle to businesses but a partner in promoting lawful trade while carrying out its statutory responsibilities.
“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 noted that ongoing reforms under the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) are improving Nigeria’s ease of doing business and creating a more business-friendly environment.
He also urged Renaissance Africa Energy Limited to complete the requirements for the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Programme, describing it as a rigorous but rewarding initiative that offers significant benefits to compliant businesses.
Adeniyi assured the company that the Service would continue to eliminate legitimate trade bottlenecks and provide all lawful support required for businesses that comply with regulatory obligations.
Earlier, the Vice President, Production, Renaissance Africa Energy Limited, Meshack Maichibi, said the company commenced operations in March 2026 after acquiring the onshore assets of Shell Petroleum Development Company.
He explained that Renaissance is committed to securing Nigeria’s energy future through investments across the upstream, midstream and downstream segments of the oil and gas industry.
Maichibi described collaboration with the Nigeria Customs Service as vital to achieving the company’s production targets and long-term investment goals.
“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,” he said.
Members of the Renaissance delegation also praised the Service’s trade facilitation reforms, describing the Authorised Economic Operator certification process as transparent, efficient and rigorous.
They added that improved digital processes, continuous engagement by Customs officers and operational support across Commands have enhanced compliance, improved efficiency and strengthened the company’s confidence in Nigeria’s evolving trade environment.
