By Chigozie Dennis
After nearly three and a half decades in uniform, DCG Dera Nnadi of the Nigeria Customs Service on Friday formally drew the curtain on a career defined by discipline, sacrifice and unwavering service to the nation.
Speaking during a colourful retirement ceremony attended by the Comptroller-General of Customs, senior management of the Service, and distinguished guests from the military, police and paramilitary organisations, Nnadi reflected on what he described as a remarkable journey that began over 34 years ago at the Customs Training College, Ikeja.
He recalled joining the Service as a young recruit driven largely by the dream of wearing the uniform, with little understanding of the demanding path that lay ahead. Today, he said, that same journey had come full circle as he retires from the apex training institution of the Service.
According to Nnadi, the Nigeria Customs Service eventually became more than just a career, evolving into what he fondly described as his “second home and first wife,” a bond he said he was parting with, but certainly not divorcing.
Nnadi noted that the Service played a defining role in shaping his life, instilling discipline, purpose and enduring friendships while offering opportunities to contribute to national development through trade facilitation, revenue generation and the protection of Nigeria’s borders.
Reflecting on the evolution of Customs operations over the years, he highlighted the transformation from manual documentation to modern automated processes, as well as the shift toward intelligence-driven enforcement strategies.
He also acknowledged the challenges that accompanied the job, including demanding assignments, policy transitions, cross-border threats and intense public scrutiny, noting however that his guiding principle throughout his career remained his oath to serve the country with integrity.
Beyond the professional sphere, Nnadi paid emotional tribute to his family for their unwavering support, thanking his spouse, children and loved ones for enduring years of missed celebrations, interrupted holidays and long absences dictated by national duty.
He also expressed appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Dr. Bashir Adeniyi, mentors, colleagues and stakeholders of the Service, including members of the media, noting that whatever achievements he recorded were the result of collective effort rather than individual accomplishment.
As he formally exited active service, DCG Dera Nnadi expressed confidence that the Nigeria Customs Service would continue to evolve, urging younger officers to protect the integrity of the uniform, embrace technology and uphold character in the discharge of their duties.
Declaring himself grateful for the goodwill received throughout his career, he concluded that if goodwill were measured in wealth, he would be retiring a billionaire, while offering prayers for the continued success of the Service and the prosperity of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.