Adeniyi Reaffirms Customs Support for Renaissance Africa
Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC) Adewale Adeniyi has reaffirmed the Nigeria Customs Service’s (NCS) commitment to promoting legitimate trade and supporting compliant businesses, assuring Renaissance Africa Energy Limited of sustained collaboration to advance investment, energy security, and economic development.
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 the company on the successful completion of its corporate transition, the CGC described Renaissance’s progress as proof that Nigerians possess the capacity to effectively manage and expand strategic national assets. He emphasised that the NCS is focused on facilitating lawful trade rather than creating barriers for businesses, noting that ongoing reforms under the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) are making Nigeria’s business environment more competitive.
“There is a misconception in some quarters that Customs exists to frustrate businesses. That is not who we are. When legitimate businesses grow, Customs grows as well. Our responsibility is to facilitate lawful trade while carrying out our statutory mandate,” Adeniyi stated.
He also encouraged Renaissance Africa Energy Limited to complete the requirements for the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Programme, describing it as a rigorous but rewarding initiative that offers significant advantages to compliant businesses. Adeniyi assured the company of the Service’s commitment to eliminating legitimate trade bottlenecks and providing the necessary support to businesses that comply with regulatory requirements.
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 sectors of the oil and gas industry.
He noted that strong collaboration with the Nigeria Customs Service is vital to achieving the company’s production and long-term investment goals.
“The support we receive from the Nigeria Customs Service has been exceptional. The prompt approvals, professionalism of officers, transparent procedures, and digitalised processes have strengthened our operations. We maintain zero tolerance for duty evasion and look forward to deepening our collaboration with Customs across all Commands,” Maichibi said.
Other members of the Renaissance delegation also applauded the NCS for its trade facilitation initiatives, describing the AEO certification process as transparent, efficient, and credible. They commended the Service’s continuous stakeholder engagement, improved digital platforms, and operational support, noting that these reforms have enhanced compliance, improved efficiency, and boosted investor confidence in Nigeria’s trade ecosystem.
