CGC Adeniyi Assures Renaissance Africa Energy of Customs' Support for Investment and Trade Facilitation.

The Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adewale Adeniyi, has reaffirmed the Service's commitment to promoting legitimate trade and supporting compliant businesses, declaring that the growth of lawful enterprises directly contributes to the growth of the Customs Service and the nation's economy.

Adeniyi made the pledge during a courtesy visit by the management of Renaissance Africa Energy Limited, led by its Vice President, Production, Meshack Maichibi, at the NCS Headquarters in Abuja.

The Customs boss congratulated the company on its successful corporate transition following its acquisition of the onshore assets of the Shell Petroleum Development Company, describing the development as evidence of Nigerians' growing capacity to manage and expand strategic national assets.

He dismissed the notion that Customs exists to frustrate businesses, stressing that the Service is focused on facilitating 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.

He noted that ongoing reforms under the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) have continued to improve Nigeria's business climate by removing obstacles to legitimate trade and encouraging investment.

The Comptroller-General also encouraged Renaissance Africa Energy Limited to complete the requirements for the Nigeria Customs Service's Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Programme, explaining that although the certification process is rigorous, it offers significant incentives and operational benefits to compliant businesses.

According to him, the Service remains committed to eliminating legitimate trade bottlenecks and providing all lawful support required by businesses that comply with regulatory obligations.

Earlier, Renaissance Africa Energy Limited's Vice President, Production, Meshack Maichibi, disclosed that the company commenced operations in March 2026 after acquiring the onshore assets of Shell Petroleum Development Company.

He said the company is focused on ensuring energy security through investments across the upstream, midstream and downstream segments of the oil and gas industry, adding that sustained collaboration with the Nigeria Customs Service is vital to achieving its 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. Maichibi stated.

Members of the company's delegation also praised the Customs Service for its ongoing trade facilitation reforms, describing the AEO certification process as transparent, efficient and credible.

They further commended the Service's expanding digital processes, continuous stakeholder engagement and operational support across Customs Commands, noting that the reforms have enhanced compliance, improved operational efficiency and strengthened investor confidence in Nigeria's evolving trade environment.