The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reaffirmed its commitment to facilitating legitimate trade and supporting compliant businesses as part of efforts to boost investment, energy security and economic growth in the country.
Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale 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 the company on the successful completion of its corporate transition, Adeniyi said Renaissance’s growth reflects the capacity of Nigerians to manage and expand strategic national assets. He stressed that the Customs Service is focused on facilitating lawful trade rather than creating obstacles for businesses, while continuing to discharge its statutory responsibilities.
He noted that ongoing reforms under the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) are improving Nigeria’s ease of doing business and creating a more conducive environment for investors.
“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,” the CGC said.
Adeniyi also encouraged Renaissance Africa Energy Limited to complete the requirements for the Nigeria Customs Service’s Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Programme, describing it as a rigorous but rewarding initiative that offers significant benefits to compliant traders.
He assured the company of the Service’s readiness to remove legitimate trade bottlenecks and provide all lawful support to businesses that comply with regulatory requirements.
Speaking earlier, Renaissance Africa Energy Limited’s Vice President, Production, Meshack Maichibi, said the company commenced operations in March 2026 after acquiring the onshore assets of Shell Petroleum Development Company.
According to him, the company is pursuing a long-term strategy to strengthen Nigeria’s energy security through investments across the upstream, midstream and downstream segments of the oil and gas industry.
Maichibi described the support received from the Nigeria Customs Service as exceptional, citing the speed of approvals, professionalism of officers, transparent procedures and digitalised processes as key factors enhancing the company’s operations.
He reaffirmed Renaissance’s zero-tolerance stance on duty evasion and expressed confidence in sustaining collaboration with Customs across its Commands to achieve the company’s production and investment goals.
Members of the Renaissance delegation also commended the Customs 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 strengthened compliance, enhanced efficiency and reinforced investor confidence in Nigeria’s evolving trade environment.
Comment here