Renaissance Africa Energy Company (AEC), Limited has reiterated that compliance to Nigeria Customs regulations remains the bedrock of seamless cross-border trade, ethical business practice, and sustainable growth in the country.
Speaking at a high-level suppliers’ workshop held in Port Harcourt on Wednesday 19 November, the Supply Chain General Manager of the company, Mr. Greg Akhigbe emphasized that compliance is not merely a procedural requirement but a strategic imperative that protects business continuity, strengthens regulatory relationships, and shields organizations from corruption and financial crime.
“Customs compliance ensures smooth cross-border movement, reduces delays and penalties, and builds trust with regulatory authorities. This, you will agree with me, is the most critical aspect of our business,”
Addressing supplier executives directly, Mr. Akhigbe made it clear that ultimate responsibility for customs compliance rests with suppliers, even when freight forwarders and clearing agents are engaged on their behalf.
“As supplier executives, you hold ultimate responsibility for customs compliance. This includes creating systems that guarantee accurate invoicing, packing lists, certificates of origin, and clear communication with freight partners to verify duty payments,” the company stated.
He warned that failure to meet these obligations often results in costly errors, strained regulatory relationships, and disruption of business activities.
Giving his remarks, the Nigeria Customs Service Deputy Comptroller in charge of Revenue collection, Customs Area 1, Abubakar Nadama said the introduction of the B’Odogwu platform makes it easier for suppliers to comply with legal provisions and regulations.
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He explained that the custom service is open to resolving complaints from suppliers, freight forwarders clearing agents and there is a lot to benefit when they comply with the provisions of the law.
The participants were urged to use the forum to embed compliance into organizational culture rather than treat it as a mere process.
“Let us use today to ask questions, share insights, and commit to making clarity and integrity the foundation of our partnerships,”
With the Nigeria Customs Service actively represented tackling compliance stakeholders believe that this signals a new era of transparency and accountability in the nation’s energy supply chain.
