Legitimate businesses are our partners, not our targets – CGC Adeniyi

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adewale Adeniyi, has assured investors and the organised private sector that the Service is committed to supporting legitimate businesses, saying compliant enterprises should regard Customs as a strategic partner rather than an obstacle to their operations.

Adeniyi gave the assurance while receiving the management of Renaissance Africa Energy Limited, led by its Vice President, Production, Meshack Maichibi, during a courtesy visit to the NCS Headquarters in Abuja.

The Customs boss said the Service’s ongoing reforms are aimed at promoting trade facilitation, improving regulatory compliance and creating a more business-friendly environment capable of attracting investments and stimulating economic growth.

According to him, contrary to the perception in some quarters, the Nigeria Customs Service does not exist to frustrate genuine businesses but to facilitate lawful trade while enforcing customs laws.

“There is a misconception that Customs exists to frustrate businesses. That is not who we are. Legitimate businesses are our partners, not our targets. When compliant businesses grow, the economy grows, government revenue increases, and Customs also succeeds in delivering on its mandate,” Adeniyi said.

He noted that reforms being implemented under the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) have significantly improved the ease of doing business by reducing delays, strengthening digital processes and enhancing transparency in cargo clearance and trade procedures.

The Comptroller-General encouraged Renaissance Africa Energy Limited to complete its enrolment into the Nigeria Customs Service’s Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Programme, describing it as a globally recognised trade facilitation initiative that rewards compliant companies with faster cargo processing and other operational benefits.

While acknowledging that the certification process is rigorous, Adeniyi assured the company that Customs would continue to eliminate legitimate trade bottlenecks and provide the necessary support to businesses that comply with extant laws and regulations.

Maichibi

Earlier, the Vice President, Production of Renaissance Africa Energy Limited, Meshack Maichibi, said the company assumed operations in March 2026 following the acquisition of Shell Petroleum Development Company’s onshore assets.

He explained that the company is committed to strengthening Nigeria’s energy security through investments across the upstream, midstream and downstream segments of the oil and gas industry, adding that sustained collaboration with the Nigeria Customs Service remains crucial to achieving its operational and investment objectives.

Maichibi commended the Service for its professionalism, prompt approvals and expanding digital platforms, noting that the reforms have improved operational efficiency and strengthened investor confidence.

“The support we receive from the Nigeria Customs Service has been exceptional. The professionalism of officers, transparency of procedures, speed of approvals and digitalised processes have enhanced our operations. We maintain zero tolerance for duty evasion and look forward to deepening our collaboration with Customs across all Commands,” he said.

Members of the delegation also applauded the implementation of the Authorised Economic Operator Programme, describing the certification process as transparent, credible and beneficial to compliant businesses.

The visit reaffirmed the Nigeria Customs Service’s commitment to strengthening partnerships with the private sector as part of its broader strategy to promote investment, facilitate legitimate trade, enhance voluntary compliance and support Nigeria’s economic development.