Customs Backs Renaissance Africa, Says Thriving Businesses Drive Nigeria's Economic Growth

The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adewale Adeniyi, has reaffirmed the Service's commitment to supporting legitimate businesses and creating an enabling environment for investment, declaring that the success of compliant enterprises directly contributes to the growth of Customs and the Nigerian economy.

Speaking during a courtesy visit by the management of Renaissance Africa Energy Limited to the Nigeria Customs Service Headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, the CGC assured the company of Customs' continued partnership in facilitating lawful trade, eliminating unnecessary bottlenecks, and promoting economic development.

The Renaissance Africa delegation, led by the company's Vice President, Production, Meshack Maichibi, visited the Customs Headquarters as part of efforts to strengthen collaboration following the company's successful transition into operating Nigeria's former Shell Petroleum Development Company's onshore assets.

Congratulating Renaissance Africa on the milestone, Adeniyi described the company's successful corporate transition as a testament to the growing capacity of Nigerian companies to manage and expand strategic national assets.

He dismissed the perception that Customs exists to frustrate businesses, stressing that the Service's core responsibility is to facilitate legitimate trade while ensuring compliance with extant laws.

"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 Customs boss noted that ongoing reforms introduced under the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) are making Nigeria's business environment more efficient and attractive to investors. He assured Renaissance Africa that the Service would continue to support compliant businesses by simplifying processes and removing obstacles that hinder legitimate trade.

Adeniyi also encouraged the company 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 benefits, including faster cargo clearance, improved operational efficiency, and enhanced trade facilitation for trusted traders.

He reiterated that the Service remains committed to providing every lawful support required by businesses that comply with regulatory obligations.

Earlier, Meshack Maichibi disclosed that Renaissance Africa Energy Limited officially assumed operations in March 2026 after acquiring Shell Petroleum Development Company's onshore assets in Nigeria.

According to him, the indigenous energy company is focused on securing Africa's energy future through strategic investments across the upstream, midstream, and downstream segments of the oil and gas industry.

Maichibi described the Nigeria Customs Service as a dependable partner whose professionalism and reforms have significantly enhanced the company's operations.

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"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," he said.

Members of the Renaissance delegation also applauded the Customs Service for its ongoing trade facilitation reforms, particularly the implementation of digital processes and the transparent administration of the Authorised Economic Operator Programme.

They noted that continuous engagement by Customs officers and improved operational support across Commands have strengthened compliance, enhanced efficiency, and increased investor confidence in Nigeria's evolving trade environment.

The meeting underscored the growing collaboration between the Nigeria Customs Service and the private sector, highlighting a shared commitment to promoting ease of doing business, attracting investment, enhancing energy security, and accelerating Nigeria's economic growth through effective trade facilitation and regulatory compliance.