CUSTOMS PLEDGES FASTER SUPPORT FOR COMPLIANT FIRMS AS CGC ADENIYI HOSTS RENAISSANCE AFRICA

CUSTOMS PLEDGES FASTER SUPPORT FOR COMPLIANT FIRMS AS CGC ADENIYI HOSTS RENAISSANCE AFRICA
By Prince Benson Davies

The Nigeria Customs Service says it will continue to prioritize trade facilitation for legitimate businesses, with the Comptroller-General, Adewale Adeniyi, describing compliant companies as key partners in national economic growth.

Adeniyi made the commitment on Wednesday, 8 July 2026, during a courtesy visit by the management of Renaissance Africa Energy Limited to the NCS Headquarters in Abuja. The delegation was led by the company’s Vice President, Production, Meshack Maichibi.

The CGC congratulated Renaissance on the successful conclusion of its corporate transition following the acquisition of Shell Petroleum Development Company’s onshore assets. He said the development reflects growing Nigerian capacity to manage strategic assets in the oil and gas sector.

According to him, the Service’s role is to enable lawful commerce, not to impede it. He noted that reforms being driven under the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council have been designed to reduce bottlenecks and improve the ease of doing business.

“There is a perception in some quarters that Customs is here to frustrate business. That is not the case. When legitimate businesses expand, Customs revenue and efficiency also improve. Our mandate is to facilitate trade that complies with the law while protecting national interests,” Adeniyi stated.

He encouraged Renaissance to complete the process for enrollment in the Authorised Economic Operator Programme. While acknowledging that the requirements are detailed, he said AEO status provides major advantages to companies with strong compliance records, including faster clearances and priority treatment. He assured the company of continued support from the Service once regulatory conditions are met.

Speaking earlier, Maichibi said Renaissance officially took over operations in March 2026 and is focused on building an integrated energy business across upstream, midstream and downstream. He said the company’s vision is to strengthen energy security through sustained investment and operational efficiency.

He commended the Nigeria Customs Service for what he described as responsive and professional engagement. He cited prompt approvals, clear procedures, and ongoing digitalisation as factors that have improved the company’s operations. He added that Renaissance maintains a zero-tolerance stance on duty evasion and is committed to full compliance.

Members of the Renaissance team also acknowledged the impact of Customs reforms on their work. They described the AEO certification process as thorough and transparent, and said regular engagement with Customs officers across Commands, together with improved digital systems, has boosted compliance and operational planning. They expressed confidence that the evolving trade environment will support long-term investment in Nigeria’s energy sector.

The meeting ended with both parties reaffirming commitment to collaboration aimed at enhancing production targets, securing supply chains, and contributing to broader economic objectives.