Emotions, tributes and heartfelt goodwill filled the air as the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) honoured one of its most respected senior officers, Deputy Comptroller-General (DCG) Dera Nnadi (Rtd), who formally bowed out of service after decades of dedicated commitment to the nation.
The colourful ceremony, held on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at the Service Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja, brought together members of the NCS management team, senior officers, family members and well-wishers to celebrate a career widely described as exemplary.
The moment was even more special as the retirement coincided with Nnadi’s 60th birthday, turning the occasion into both a farewell and a milestone birthday celebration.
Leading the tributes, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, described Nnadi as an exemplary officer whose professionalism, discipline and unwavering commitment significantly strengthened the values and operational effectiveness of the Service.
According to the CGC, the ceremony served as an opportunity not only to celebrate a successful career but also to recognise the sacrifices and dedication of officers who devote their lives to protecting the nation’s economic and border security interests. He noted that Nnadi’s career reflected the core ideals of the 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”, Adeniyi said.
He also highlighted the personal and professional bond he shares with the retiree, noting that their relationship extends beyond official duties to family ties.
Adeniyi expressed confidence that Nnadi still possesses the energy, knowledge 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 guided younger personnel while helping to strengthen the institutional capacity of the Service.
In his response, Nnadi expressed deep appreciation to the Comptroller-General, the management team and 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, bringing his decades of service in the Customs Service to a celebratory close.