Nnadi Returns To Hqtrs Amid Loud Ovation

…Passes Baton To Onyeka

BY EGUONO ODJEGBA

Poster boy of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Dera Anslem Nnadi mni has returned to the service headquarters, following his appointment to the rank of an acting Assistant Comptroller General (ACG) by the Nigeria Customs Service Board (NCSB).

His return to the headquarters brings to an end an era of exhilarating operational exploits at the command level, which cuts across strategic administrative assignments, invigorating stakeholders engagement and partnership, strategic interventions, the re-engineering of revenue generation, trade facilitation, enforcement, etc.

Stakeholders say Nnadi has left behind a big shoe that will take focused determination to fill and surpass. The Tin Can Island Port Command conference hall could not accommodate the huge crowd of stakeholders who attended the handing over ceremony, as the CAC’s hallway and visitors room was jam-packed, swarming with different stakeholders cutting across the freight, logistics and trading community, media and sister agencies, all seeking to catch a glimpse of the man who gave so much and radically impacted customs trade, shipping and regional integration.

Perhaps, the remark of the president of Maritime Security Providers Association of Nigeria (MASPAN), Emmanuel Maiguwa captured the consensus of the stakeholders’ mood which described Nnadi’s sojourn at command operations as a blessing to the service and the nation at large.

Speaking when he paid a courtesy visit to Nnadi in his office few days before the Ag ACG’s departure, Maiguwa described Nnadi as an exceptional officer with passion in the development of maritime trade and operation.

He said the industry benefited greatly from Nnadi’s expertise, resourceful engagements and guidance. While wishing him success on his new assignment at the head office, Maiguwa said Nnadi will be missed.

“Comptroller Nnadi has been an outstanding officer with particular passion in the development of maritime trade and operation. The industry has been benefiting from his time here as CAC Tin-can command. As he ascends higher, I wish him great success and assurance of support.”

While the command’s enforcement and anti-smuggling activities under him soared significantly, the Duty Paid Value (DPV) of seizures rose from N1.051, 617,767.00 in 2023 to N4, 505,995,975.00 in 2024, reflecting a remarkable increase of N3, 454,378,208.00

The figure is a significant improvement from the sum of N716, 478,454.00 generated in the corresponding period of 2023.

His successor, Deputy Comptroller Frank Onyeka has however pledged to consolidate on the grounds already prepared, both in the area of administration, revenue, enforcement and trade facilitation. The TCIP new sheriff holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Political Science and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration.

He has attended numerous trainings from where he obtained several certifications to upgrade his performance in the service, within and outside the country.

Before his recent posting, Onyeka was Officer-in-Charge of Gate, at the Apapa Premier Port Gate, where he worked tirelessly with the seating Area Controller in generating the massive trillions the Command has generated.

Competent, trusted and hardworking, Onyeka also served as OC Gate, Federal Ocean Terminal (FOT) Onne Port Area Command. Command Public Relations Officer, Ngozi Okwara says the TCIP Command new Customs Area Controller (CAC) possesses a unique interpersonal skill and believes in the due process and trade compliance.