By Stella Odueme
The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adewale Adeniyi, has reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to facilitating legitimate trade, assuring Renaissance Africa Energy Limited of continued support to boost investment, energy security and economic growth.
Adeniyi gave the assurancee in Abuja when the management of Renaissance Africa Energy Limited, led by its Vice President, Production, Meshack Maichibi, paid him a courtesy visit, a statement said on Sunday.
Congratulating the company on its successful corporate transition, the Customs boss said Renaissance’s progress demonstrates the ability of Nigerians to effectively manage and expand strategic national assets.
He dismissed the perception that the Nigeria Customs Service exists to hinder business activities, stressing that the agency is focused on supporting compliant businesses 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.
The Comptroller-General urged Renaissance Africa Energy Limited to complete the requirements for the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Programme, noting that while the certification process is rigorous, it provides significant benefits for compliant traders.
He added that the Service would continue to eliminate legitimate trade bottlenecks and provide all lawful support to businesses that meet regulatory requirements, in line with ongoing reforms under the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) aimed at improving Nigeria’s ease of doing business.
Earlier, Maichibi disclosed that Renaissance Africa Energy Limited commenced operations in March 2026 after acquiring the onshore assets of Shell Petroleum Development Company.
He said 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 strong collaboration with the Nigeria Customs Service remains essential to achieving its production and investment goals.
According to him, Customs has demonstrated professionalism through prompt approvals, transparent procedures and digitalised processes that have enhanced the company’s operations.
