The 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.
Adeniyi gave the assurance on Wednesday, 8 July 2026, 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.
Congratulating Renaissance Africa on the successful completion of its corporate transition, the CGC described the company’s progress as proof of the capacity of Nigerians to manage and grow strategic national assets.
He emphasised that the Nigeria Customs Service is committed to enabling legitimate businesses to thrive 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 stated.
He further noted that ongoing reforms under the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) are enhancing Nigeria’s ease of doing business by reducing bottlenecks and improving regulatory efficiency.
The CGC also encouraged Renaissance Africa Energy Limited to complete the requirements for the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Programme, explaining that although the certification process is rigorous, it offers substantial benefits to compliant traders, including faster cargo clearance and enhanced trade facilitation.
He assured the company that the Service would continue to eliminate legitimate trade barriers and provide all lawful support necessary for businesses that comply with regulatory requirements.
Earlier, the Vice President, Production, Renaissance Africa Energy Limited, Meshack Maichibi, disclosed that the company commenced operations in March 2026 following the acquisition of Shell Petroleum Development Company’s onshore assets.
He explained that Renaissance is focused on securing Africa’s energy future through strategic investments across the upstream, midstream, and downstream segments of the oil and gas value chain.
Maichibi described the Nigeria Customs Service as a dependable partner, stressing that the agency’s support has contributed significantly to the company’s operational efficiency and investment confidence.
“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 applauded the Service’s trade facilitation reforms, describing the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) certification process as rigorous, transparent, and efficient.
They noted that the continuous engagement of Customs officers, improved digital processes, and operational support across Commands have strengthened compliance, enhanced efficiency, and reinforced the company’s confidence in Nigeria’s evolving trade environment.
The visit further underscored the growing collaboration between the Nigeria Customs Service and the private sector, reflecting a shared commitment to fostering an enabling business environment, promoting voluntary compliance, and supporting sustainable economic growth through efficient trade facilitation.
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