From Atiku Sarki, Abuja
The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, has reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to facilitating legitimate trade and supporting compliant businesses, assuring Renaissance Africa Energy Limited of the Service’s continued partnership in promoting investment, energy security, and national economic growth.
According to a statement issued in Abuja, Adeniyi gave the assurance during a courtesy visit by the management of Renaissance Africa Energy Limited, led by its Vice President of Production, Meshack Maichibi, to the NCS Headquarters in Abuja.
Congratulating Renaissance Africa on the successful completion of its corporate transition, the CGC 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 responsibilities.
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 Africa 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 comply with regulatory obligations.
Earlier, Maichibi disclosed that Renaissance Africa assumed operations in March 2026 following the acquisition of the onshore assets of Shell Petroleum Development Company.
He explained that the company is committed to securing the future of energy through investments across the upstream, midstream, and downstream segments of the oil and gas value chain.
According to him, collaboration with the Nigeria Customs Service remains critical to achieving the company’s production targets and long-term investment objectives.
“The support we receive from the Nigeria Customs Service has been exceptional. The speed of approvals, professionalism of officers, transparent procedures, and digitalised processes have strengthened 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 Africa 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 various Commands have strengthened compliance, enhanced operational efficiency, and reinforced the company’s confidence in Nigeria’s evolving trade environment.