Customs Backs Renaissance Africa, Reaffirms Commitment to Legitimate Trade

By Zainab Uzomah| Abuja

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reaffirmed its commitment to facilitating legitimate trade and supporting compliant businesses, pledging continued collaboration with Renaissance Africa Energy Limited to promote investment and economic growth.

Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, gave the assurance during a courtesy visit by the management of Renaissance Africa Energy Limited, led by its Vice President of Production, Meshack Maichibi, to the NCS headquarters in Abuja.

Congratulating the company on its transition following the acquisition of Shell Petroleum Development Company’s onshore assets, Adeniyi said Customs was committed to creating an enabling environment for lawful businesses rather than obstructing them.

“When legitimate businesses grow, Customs also grows,” he said, adding that reforms under the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) were improving the ease of doing business in Nigeria.

The Customs chief encouraged the company to complete the requirements for the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Programme, saying it offers significant benefits to compliant traders despite its rigorous certification process.

Maichibi said Renaissance Africa Energy assumed operations in March 2026 after acquiring Shell’s onshore assets and is investing across the upstream, midstream and downstream segments of the oil and gas industry.

He commended the Nigeria Customs Service for its efficient approvals, digitalised processes and trade facilitation measures, saying the company remained committed to full regulatory compliance and looked forward to strengthening its partnership with the Service.

Members of the Renaissance delegation also praised the Customs Service’s trade reforms, describing the AEO certification process as transparent and efficient, and credited improved digital systems and operational support with enhancing compliance and business efficiency.