The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, has reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to facilitating legitimate trade and supporting compliant businesses, declaring that the growth of lawful enterprises directly translated into growth for the Service and the nation’s economy.
Adeniyi made the remarks 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 Energy Limited on its successful corporate transition, the Customs boss said the company’s emergence as the operator of former Shell Petroleum Development Company onshore assets demonstrates the ability of Nigerians to effectively manage and expand strategic national assets.
He dismissed the notion that Customs exists to frustrate businesses, stressing that the Service’s primary responsibility is to facilitate lawful trade while carrying out its statutory mandate.
“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 encouraged the company to complete the requirements for the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Programme, noting that although the certification process is rigorous, it offers significant advantages to compliant traders. He assured Renaissance Africa of Customs’ continued support in removing legitimate trade bottlenecks and creating an enabling environment for businesses that comply with regulatory requirements.
Adeniyi further highlighted ongoing reforms under the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), saying they are enhancing Nigeria’s ease of doing business and attracting greater investment.
Speaking during the visit, Renaissance Africa Energy Limited’s Vice President, Production, Meshack Maichibi, said the company commenced operations in March 2026 following the acquisition of Shell Petroleum Development Company’s onshore assets.
He explained that the company is committed to securing Nigeria’s energy future through investments across the upstream, midstream and downstream segments of the oil and gas industry, adding that collaboration with the Nigeria Customs Service remains vital to achieving its production and 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 said.
Members of the Renaissance delegation also applauded the Service’s trade facilitation initiatives, describing the AEO certification process as rigorous, transparent and efficient. They said improved digital processes, continuous stakeholder engagement and operational support across Customs Commands have enhanced compliance, increased operational efficiency and strengthened investor confidence in Nigeria’s evolving trade environment.
