Nigeria Customs Celebrates DCG Dera Nnadi’s Excellent Service to the Nation @ 60

ZAINAB JUNAID

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has honoured Deputy Comptroller-General Dera Nnadi’s illustrious career and 60th birthday, recognising his unwavering commitment to duty, exceptional professionalism, and contributions to national development.

His leadership prowess has been instrumental in driving revenue growth and enhancing trade facilitation, earning him recognition as a stalwart of the Nigeria Customs Service.

He surpassed revenue targets of 2023 by over 400billion, generating over One Trillion, Forty Six Billion, Four Hundred and Ninety Six Million, Five Hundred and Ninety Three Thousand, One Hundred and Three Naira Sixty Kobo (1,046,496,593,103.60) between January and November 7, in 2024 alone at TinCan Island Port Command; on enforcement Front, 684 packets of Cannabis Indica weighing 341.025kg with a street value of N682, 050,000.00 was seized under his watch, also at TCIPC, no wonder he was fondly called anti-smuggling Czar. He is known for many achievements which accorded him several awards.

The Customs Icon has served in various capacities, including as Area Controller of TinCan Island Port Command, (assuming duty in September 2023), and declared a whole year 2024 as STAKEHOLDERS’ YEAR. He also served as Area Controller at Seme- Krake Border Command, before his last duty as DCG in charge of strategic research and policy at Headquarters.

Retired DCG Dera was awarded for distinctive performance and Work Place Transformation (TinCan Island Port Command Remodeling) at CGC’s award night in 2024. He was also awarded the Most Outstanding Customs Area Controller of same Year by the Association of Maritime Journalists of Nigeria (AMJON).

The colourful send-off ceremony, held on Tuesday, 3 March 2026, at the Service Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja, brought together members of the NCS management team, senior officers, family members and well-wishers to honour the retiring officer’s impactful career.

Speaking at the event, Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, described DCG Nnadi as an exemplary officer whose professionalism, discipline, and commitment to duty significantly strengthened the values and operational effectiveness of the NCS.

According to the CGC, the retirement ceremony provided an opportunity not only to celebrate a successful career but also to appreciate the sacrifices and dedication of officers who devote their lives to safeguarding the nation’s economic and border security interests. He noted that DCG Nnadi’s career reflects the core ideals of the Nigeria Customs Service, particularly in leadership, revenue generation and trade facilitation.

“Today is a moment of celebration and reflection. It is also an opportunity for us to thank Almighty God for the grace that has sustained our colleague throughout his years of service,” the CGC said.

The CGC also highlighted the personal and professional bond he shares with the retiree, noting that their relationship extends beyond official duties to family ties. He expressed confidence that DCG Nnadi still possesses the energy and experience to continue contributing meaningfully to national development through academic and other professional engagements.

Members of the Service’s management team also paid glowing tributes to the retired DCG, commending his leadership qualities, integrity and mentorship. Officers who served under him described him as a dependable leader who provided guidance and encouragement to younger personnel while strengthening the Service’s institutional capacity.

Responding to the honour, DCG Dera Nnadi (Rtd) expressed appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, the management team officers and Men of the Service for their support and cooperation throughout his career.

He described his years in the NCS as a fulfilling journey of growth, learning and service to the nation.

The ceremony featured the presentation of awards, gift items and commemorative photographs in honour of the distinguished officer.