The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adewale Adeniyi, has reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to supporting legitimate businesses, declaring that the growth of compliant enterprises directly contributes to the growth of Customs and the nation’s economy.
According to an official signed statement by the National Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Customs Service, Assistant Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada, Adeniyi gave the assurance on Wednesday, 8 July 2026, when the management of Renaissance Africa Energy Limited, led by its Vice President, Production, Meshack Maichibi, paid a courtesy visit to the NCS Headquarters in Abuja.
Congratulating Renaissance Africa Energy Limited on the successful completion of its corporate transition following the acquisition of Shell Petroleum Development Company’s onshore assets, the Customs boss said the achievement demonstrated the capacity of Nigerians to manage and expand strategic national assets.
Dispelling the perception that Customs exists to hinder businesses, Adeniyi stressed that the Service’s primary responsibility is to facilitate lawful trade while carrying out its statutory functions.
“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 Comptroller-General noted that ongoing reforms under the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) are improving Nigeria’s business climate by making trade processes more efficient and predictable.
He also encouraged Renaissance Africa Energy Limited to complete the requirements for the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Programme, explaining that although the certification process is rigorous, it provides substantial benefits to compliant businesses.
“We will continue to remove legitimate trade bottlenecks and provide all lawful support required for businesses that meet their regulatory obligations,” Adeniyi assured.
Earlier, the Vice President, Production, Renaissance Africa Energy Limited, Meshack Maichibi, said the company commenced operations in March 2026 after acquiring the onshore assets of Shell Petroleum Development Company and is committed to securing Nigeria’s energy future through investments across the upstream, midstream and downstream segments of the oil and gas industry.
He described the Nigeria Customs Service as a dependable partner, saying its reforms have significantly enhanced 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 as we work towards achieving our vision,” Maichibi said.
Members of the Renaissance delegation also commended the Service’s trade facilitation initiatives, describing the Authorised Economic Operator certification process as rigorous, transparent and efficient.
They noted that continuous engagement by Customs officers, improved digital processes and operational support across Commands have strengthened compliance, enhanced operational efficiency and reinforced the company’s confidence in Nigeria’s evolving trade environment.
