The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has assured Renaissance Africa Energy Limited of continued support for its operations, saying the agency’s role is to help legitimate businesses thrive while enforcing Nigeria’s trade laws.

The commitment was made by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, during a meeting with Renaissance Africa Energy executives at the Customs Headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday.

The visit comes just months after Renaissance Africa Energy took over the onshore assets previously operated by Shell Petroleum Development Company, marking one of the most significant changes in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector in recent years.

Why it matters

Nigeria is seeking to attract more investment into its energy sector while improving the ease of doing business.

Businesses have often complained about delays and regulatory bottlenecks at ports and border points, making Customs reforms central to the Federal Government’s economic agenda.

Speaking during the meeting, Adeniyi said Customs should not be viewed as an obstacle to legitimate businesses.

“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 also congratulated Renaissance Africa on completing its corporate transition, saying the achievement demonstrates Nigerians’ ability to manage strategic national assets successfully.

According to him, reforms introduced under the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) are helping to simplify trade procedures and improve the business climate.

The Customs boss encouraged the company to complete the requirements for the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Programme, describing it as demanding but beneficial for businesses with strong compliance records.

He said Customs would continue removing legitimate trade bottlenecks and provide all lawful support to companies that meet regulatory requirements.

Renaissance praises Customs reforms

Renaissance Africa Energy said its experience with Customs has strengthened confidence in Nigeria’s trade environment.

The company’s Vice President, Production, Meshack Maichibi, said Renaissance began operations in March 2026 after acquiring Shell Petroleum Development Company’s onshore assets.

He said the company aims to strengthen Nigeria’s energy future through investments across upstream, midstream and downstream operations.

“The support we receive from the Nigeria Customs Service is exceptional. The speed of approvals, professionalism of officers, transparent procedures, and digitalised processes strengthen our operations. We maintain zero tolerance for duty evasion and look forward to sustained collaboration with Customs across all Commands as we work towards achieving our vision.”

Members of the Renaissance delegation also praised the Customs Service’s trade facilitation reforms.

They described the Authorised Economic Operator certification process as rigorous, transparent and efficient, adding that digital procedures and continuous engagement by Customs officers have improved compliance and operational efficiency.

Expert perspective

Trade and logistics analysts say programmes such as the Authorised Economic Operator scheme are designed to reward compliant businesses with faster cargo clearance, reduced inspections and lower administrative costs.

They argue that wider adoption of the programme could improve Nigeria’s competitiveness, reduce supply chain delays and encourage more domestic and foreign investment.

Industry perspective

Industry stakeholders have consistently called for stronger collaboration between regulators and businesses, noting that predictable customs procedures reduce operational costs and improve investor confidence.

The Customs Service’s emphasis on digitalisation and compliance is also expected to support broader efforts to modernise Nigeria’s ports and trade ecosystem.

What happens next?

Attention will now shift to Renaissance Africa Energy’s participation in the Authorised Economic Operator Programme and how both organisations deepen collaboration.

Observers say successful implementation could serve as a model for other major investors operating in Nigeria’s strategic sectors.

Grene Capital has completed a major expansion of the solar power system at Jabi Lake Mall in Abuja, increasing the mall’s installed solar capacity by 150% to 1.5 megawatt-peak (MWp).

The investment is expected to generate around 175,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of clean electricity every month, reducing the mall’s reliance on diesel-powered generators while strengthening its ability to cope with Nigeria’s unreliable electricity supply.

The project further cements Jabi Lake Mall’s position as Nigeria’s first solar-powered shopping mall, highlighting a growing shift among commercial property owners towards renewable energy as businesses grapple with rising fuel prices and persistent grid instability.

Why it matters

Many Nigerian businesses spend a significant share of their operating costs on diesel generators due to inconsistent public electricity.

Renewable energy projects like this are increasingly viewed as a practical way to reduce operating expenses, improve energy security and support Nigeria’s climate commitments.

The upgraded solar installation is also expected to prevent about 1,680 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually, contributing to cleaner air while reducing the environmental impact of commercial operations.

Solar capacity grows by 150%

The expansion adds 900 kilowatt-peak (kWp) of photovoltaic capacity to the mall’s existing 600kWp solar installation, bringing the total installed capacity to 1.5MWp.

The project was delivered in partnership with Elektron Renewables, which served as project developer.

According to Grene Capital, the expansion forms part of its long-term investment strategy to improve the resilience and value of its assets across Africa.

Tolu Sokenu, Partner at Grene Capital, said:

“This project reflects how disciplined, long-term capital investment can strengthen an asset’s performance and resilience at the same time.

“We look for opportunities to enhance the quality and relevance of our assets in ways that create lasting value and future-proof a market-leading mall.”

Renewable energy gains momentum in commercial property

The project reflects a wider trend across Africa, where shopping malls, factories and commercial buildings are increasingly investing in renewable energy to reduce exposure to fluctuating energy prices.

Sianny Ayodele, Head of Elektron Renewables, said:

“Distributed renewable energy is becoming increasingly central to the resilience and efficiency of commercial and industrial assets across Africa.

“Projects like Jabi Lake Mall show how institutional capital can accelerate the deployment of scalable energy infrastructure that strengthens asset resilience, improves energy stability, and delivers measurable development impact while supporting long-term economic growth.”

Expert perspective

Energy analysts say commercial solar investments are becoming increasingly attractive as companies seek predictable electricity costs.

According to renewable energy experts, combining solar generation with existing power systems can reduce long-term operating expenses, improve business continuity during grid failures and support Nigeria’s transition to cleaner energy.

However, analysts note that wider adoption will depend on continued investment, supportive government policies and access to affordable financing for businesses.

Impact on businesses and consumers

Lower dependence on diesel generators could reduce operating costs for retailers and tenants, while improving electricity reliability for shops, restaurants and entertainment facilities inside the mall.

More reliable power also benefits visitors by helping businesses maintain services during electricity outages, reducing disruptions that often affect commercial centres.

About Grene Capital

Grene Capital is an Africa-focused real assets manager established as a spinout from Actis. The company invests in and manages real estate and infrastructure assets across the continent, focusing on long-term investments designed to generate stable returns while improving operational performance.

What’s next?

Industry observers will be watching whether similar renewable energy investments spread to other shopping malls, office complexes and industrial facilities across Nigeria as businesses continue searching for alternatives to expensive diesel generation.

The Federal Government has begun construction of three interconnected mini-grid projects in Adamawa State as part of efforts to improve electricity access for underserved communities and reduce reliance on unstable power supply.

The projects, located in Kofare, Saminaka and Mbamba communities, have a combined generation capacity of 13.5 megawatts and form part of the government’s wider plan to strengthen Nigeria’s electricity network through renewable energy.

The groundbreaking ceremony was led by the Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, who described the initiative as another step towards achieving universal electricity access under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Why it matters

Millions of Nigerians still lack reliable electricity, particularly in rural communities where businesses, schools and healthcare facilities often depend on costly diesel generators or have no power at all.

Experts say expanding mini-grid infrastructure could help bridge the electricity gap while reducing carbon emissions and supporting economic activities in communities beyond the reach of the national grid.

Speaking at the ceremony, Tegbe said mini-grids should not be viewed as an alternative to Nigeria’s national electricity grid.

He said they are becoming an important part of a modern electricity system that combines conventional transmission infrastructure with renewable energy technologies and battery storage.

The minister linked the projects to the Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-up (DARES) Programme, which he described as the world’s largest publicly funded renewable energy access initiative designed to attract public and private investment into electricity access.

Thousands of homes and businesses expected to benefit

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Abba Abubakar Aliyu, said the three projects are only part of a much larger electrification programme across Adamawa State.

According to him, the REA plans to deliver 39 mini-grid projects across the state—three interconnected systems and 36 isolated mini-grids—with a combined installed capacity of nearly 27 megawatts.

He said the projects are expected to provide electricity to about 40,000 households, 6,000 micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) and more than 100 public institutions, including schools and healthcare facilities.

Aliyu also praised the minister for supporting renewable energy initiatives and recognising mini-grids as an essential component of Nigeria’s evolving electricity network.

Adamawa welcomes investment

Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri welcomed the Federal Government’s investment, saying the projects demonstrate growing confidence in Adamawa as a destination for energy development.

He said the initiative stemmed from the Rural Electrification Agency’s State-by-State Roundtable held last year, where developers and state governments explored opportunities to expand electricity access.

The governor added that the state government provided 30 hectares of land to support implementation of the projects.

Call to protect community assets

While performing the groundbreaking, Tegbe commended the Adamawa State Government, the Rural Electrification Agency, electricity distribution companies, financiers, development partners and host communities for their contributions to the projects.

He urged residents to safeguard the infrastructure against vandalism, stressing that the facilities belong to the communities and are intended to improve livelihoods for generations.

Industry perspective

Energy analysts say decentralised electricity projects such as interconnected mini-grids are becoming increasingly important in countries where expanding the national transmission grid remains expensive and time-consuming.

They note that combining renewable energy with mini-grid technology can improve energy reliability, lower operating costs for businesses and create opportunities for local economic development while supporting Nigeria’s transition to cleaner energy.

What happens next?

Construction is expected to begin immediately before the mini-grids are connected to homes, businesses and public institutions across the beneficiary communities.

If delivered on schedule, the projects are expected to improve electricity reliability, stimulate local commerce, support education and healthcare services, and reduce dependence on fossil fuel-powered generators.

For residents of Kofare, Saminaka and Mbamba, the projects represent more than new energy infrastructure—they offer the prospect of better livelihoods and stronger local economies driven by dependable electricity.