The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adewale Adeniyi, has reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to supporting legitimate businesses, declaring that compliant companies remain central to Nigeria’s economic growth and investment drive. Speaking during a courtesy visit by the management of Renaissance Africa Energy Limited to the NCS Headquarters in Abuja, Adeniyi said Customs would continue to remove lawful trade barriers and provide the support needed for businesses to thrive.
“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,” he said.
The Customs boss congratulated Renaissance Africa Energy on its successful transition following its acquisition of Shell Petroleum Development Company’s onshore assets, describing it as proof that Nigerian firms can successfully manage and expand strategic national assets.
He noted that reforms under the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) are making Nigeria more business-friendly and urged the company to complete the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) certification process, saying the programme offers substantial benefits to compliant traders despite its rigorous requirements.
Adeniyi assured the company of Customs’ continued partnership in boosting investment, energy security and economic growth through seamless trade facilitation. Earlier, Renaissance Africa Energy’s Vice President, Production, Meshack Maichibi, said the company, which assumed operations in March 2026, is investing across the upstream, midstream and downstream segments of the oil and gas industry to secure Nigeria’s energy future.
He praised the Nigeria Customs Service for its professionalism, speedy approvals and transparent digital processes, describing the agency’s support as instrumental to the company’s operations. “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,” Maichibi said.