By Chika Okeke
The Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, has pledged its determination to end legitimate trade bottlenecks and provide all lawful support required for businesses that meet regulatory obligations.
This was even as the Service hinted that ongoing reforms under the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council, PEBEC, are improving the ease of doing business in Nigeria.
Comptroller-General of Customs ,CGC, Adewale Adeniyi disclosed this 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 on the successful completion of its corporate transition, Adeniyi said that the company’s progress demonstrated the capacity of Nigerians to manage and grow strategic national assets.
He pointed out that the Service exists not to create obstacles for businesses but to facilitate lawful trade while fulfilling 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 encouraged Renaissance to complete the requirements for the Authorised Economic Operator, AEO, Programme, adding that although the qualification process is rigorous, it offers significant benefits to compliant traders.
He reaffirmed its commitment to facilitating legitimate trade and supporting compliant businesses, promising Renaissance Africa Energy Limited of the Service’s continued partnership in driving investment, energy security, and national economic growth.
Maichibi stated that Renaissance assumed operations in March 2026 following the acquisition of Shell Petroleum Development Company’s onshore assets.
He maintained that the company is pursuing a vision of securing energy for the future through investments across the upstream, midstream, and downstream segments of the oil and gas value chain.
According to him, collaboration with the NCS remains critical to achieving the company’s production targets and long-term investment objectives.
“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,” Maichibi said.
The Vice President informed that Renaissance maintains zero tolerance for duty evasion and looked forward to sustained collaboration with Customs across all Commands, while working towards achieving its vision.
Members of the Renaissance delegation also commended the Service’s trade facilitation reforms, describing the Authorised Economic Operator certification process as rigorous, transparent, and efficient.
They noted that continuous engagement by Customs officers as well as improved digital processes, and operational support across Commands, strengthened compliance, enhanced operational efficiency, and reinforced the company’s confidence in Nigeria’s evolving trade environment.
