The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has honoured two of its senior officers, Deputy Comptroller-General (DCG) Dera Nnadi and Assistant Comptroller-General (ACG) Kingsley Egwu, at a ceremonial Pulling-Out Parade marking the end of their decades-long careers.
The event took place on 13 March 2026 at the Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College in Gwagwalada, Abuja, drawing senior Customs officials, colleagues, and well-wishers who gathered to celebrate their contributions to the service.
Officials said the ceremony recognised the officers’ professional impact on revenue generation, trade facilitation, and border security — core responsibilities of the Customs agency.
Recognising decades of service
Speaking at the event, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, said the parade served as a moment for reflection and appreciation.
The CGC, represented by the Deputy Comptroller-General in charge of Training and Doctrine Command, Sulaiman Chiroma, said the careers of officers should be measured not only by their ranks but also by their values and impact.
“This parade is not only a ceremonial farewell. It is also an opportunity for the Nigeria Customs Service to express appreciation for the professionalism, discipline and dedication that these officers demonstrated throughout their years in service,” he said.
Contributions to Customs reforms and trade policy
According to the Customs leadership, DCG Dera Nnadi served in several strategic commands where revenue generation, trade facilitation and border security intersect.
Officials said he contributed to policy discussions on Customs modernisation and Nigeria’s participation in continental trade initiatives.
“He brought intellectual depth to strategic conversations within the Service and also played an important mentoring role for younger officers,” Adeniyi said.
The CGC also praised ACG Kingsley Egwu for supporting reforms that strengthened Customs administration through technology and automation.
“His contributions helped lay the foundation for several automated systems that are now supporting the Service’s operations,” he said.
Egwu previously served as the 10th Commandant of the Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College, where officials say he emphasised discipline, knowledge, and ethical leadership in officer training.
Retiring officers reflect on their careers
In his remarks, DCG Nnadi thanked God and the Service for the opportunity to serve Nigeria.
“My journey in the Service has been defined by dedication, learning and commitment to the institutional mandate of revenue generation, trade facilitation and border security,” he said.
He added that the achievements of his career reflected teamwork across the Service.
“The successes we recorded were possible because of the collective effort of officers who remained committed to the ideals of the Service.”
Nnadi also urged serving officers to remain disciplined and adaptable as global trade evolves.
“The evolving trade environment demands innovation, modernisation and stronger institutional capacity.”
Integrity and public service
ACG Kingsley Egwu described his more than three decades in the Service as demanding but fulfilling.
“My career in the Nigeria Customs Service has been a journey of learning, growth and collaboration with dedicated colleagues,” he said.
He paid tribute to officers who lost their lives in the line of duty, calling them heroes who helped safeguard the nation.
Egwu also advised younger officers to prioritise integrity in public service.
“Public service is a privilege that must be carried with honour. Leadership positions are temporary, but the reputation you build through integrity will always endure.”
He also thanked the Comptroller-General for entrusting him with key assignments, including his leadership of the Command and Staff College and his work in the Tariff and Trade Department.
Why it matters
The retirement of senior Customs officials comes at a time when Nigeria is pushing for stronger border management, digital Customs systems, and improved trade facilitation.
Experts say leadership transitions within the Customs Service can influence policy direction, training standards, and operational reforms — all of which affect trade efficiency and government revenue.
What happens next
The ceremony concluded with tributes from colleagues and the presentation of honours celebrating the officers’ years of service.
The Customs leadership said the event also served as inspiration for younger officers to continue strengthening the institution
