Tears, Smiles As DCG Dera Nnadi Bows Out Of Customs After 34 Years

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There were mixed emotions on Friday as the Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of Strategic Research and Policy, DCG Dera Nnadi mni, formally bowed out of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) after nearly 35 years of meritorious service.

During the colourful ceremonial pulling-out parade held at the Service’s Training and Doctrine Command, the ambience was filled with smiles, tributes and applause as senior officers, family members and stakeholders celebrated the retiring Customs chief. DCG Nnadi’s smile was one of the brightest as he was being pullout by a rich delegation including five serving DCGs.

But the mood turned emotional with Nnadi’s outpour of tears during the subsequent thanksgiving service organised by the Nigeria Customs Christian Fellowship (NCCF) where Nnadi reflected on his long journey in the Service and his affinity to the Catholic Cathedral.

Addressing the congregation, the retiring DCG described the Nigeria Customs Service as more than a workplace, saying the institution had shaped his life, built his character and given him purpose, he stressed that the Service offered him discipline, lifelong friendships and the privilege of contributing to national development through trade facilitation, revenue generation and protection of Nigeria’s borders against economic sabotage.

He recalled joining the Service over three decades ago as a young officer with little knowledge of the demanding journey ahead, but expressed gratitude to God for guiding him through the years to retire at the apex training institution of the Service.

Nnadi also paid glowing tribute to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Dr. Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, thanking him and other senior officers for their support, mentorship and collaboration throughout his career.

The retiring officer further appreciated his family for the sacrifices they made during his years of service, noting that missed birthdays, late nights and prolonged absences were part of the price paid in the line of duty.

While delivering his message to younger officers, Nnadi urged them to protect the integrity of the Customs uniform, embrace innovation and capacity building, and uphold strong character in the discharge of their responsibilities.

He emphasised that reputation travels faster than any cargo and advised officers to maintain professionalism while encouraging stakeholders to prioritise voluntary compliance with Customs regulations.

Meanwhile, there were several beautifully weird moments during the church service when the Comptroller-General, Adeniyi, like many non-Catholics in the Cathedral, frequently appeared uncertain about the sequence of kneeling, standing and sitting during the liturgy, drawing quiet amusement from some members of the congregation. Despite the unfamiliar routine, he remained fully committed to the process throughout the sermon and prayers.

“I join the congregation in wishing DCG Dera Nnadi mni, good health, long life, prosperity and success in all his future endeavours,” the Customs CG said.

Nnadi retired with gratitude, noting that the goodwill he had received from colleagues and friends throughout his career was immeasurable.

“If goodwill were cash, I would be retiring a billionaire,” the retired DCG remarked.

Having spent a significant part of his service years as a Public Relations Officer, Nnadi also had kind words for journalists, positing that the Nigerian media played a crucial role in shaping and promoting his Customs career.

DCG Dera Nnadi also shared the special Retirement Pulling Out Parade with Assistant Comptroller General of Customs (ACG) Kingsley Egwuh who charged Customs officials to keep the Service flag flying high.