By Oluwakemi Kindness
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reaffirmed its commitment to improving Nigeria’s ease of doing business, saying ongoing reforms are removing trade bottlenecks and making it easier for compliant businesses to operate.
Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, gave the assurance during a courtesy visit by the management of Renaissance Africa Energy Limited to the NCS Headquarters in Abuja.
A statement on Sunday by Abdulahi Maiwada, Customs spokesperson, says reforms under the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) are helping to facilitate legitimate trade while supporting economic growth.
Adeniyi dismissed the perception that Customs exists to frustrate businesses. He said the Service is committed to creating an enabling environment for lawful trade while carrying out its statutory responsibilities.
“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 Customs boss urged Renaissance Africa Energy Limited to complete the requirements for the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Programme.
He said the certification process may be rigorous, but it offers significant benefits to compliant traders. He also pledged continued support for businesses that meet regulatory requirements.
Adeniyi congratulated the company on its successful corporate transition, describing it as proof that Nigerians can effectively manage and grow strategic national assets.
Earlier, Renaissance Africa Energy Limited’s Vice President, Production, Meshack Maichibi, said the company took over operations in March 2026 after acquiring the onshore assets of Shell Petroleum Development Company.
He said Renaissance is investing across the upstream, midstream and downstream segments of the oil and gas industry to strengthen Nigeria’s energy future.
Maichibi praised the Nigeria Customs Service for its professionalism, speedy approvals, transparent procedures and digitalised operations.
He said the company’s zero-tolerance policy on duty evasion aligns with Customs’ compliance goals and expressed confidence in continued collaboration.
Members of the Renaissance delegation also commended the Service’s trade facilitation reforms and described the AEO certification process as transparent and efficient.
They said improved digital systems and sustained engagement by Customs officers have strengthened compliance and boosted investor confidence.
