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.

Tier-one lender Fidelity Bank Plc has hosted the Fidelity Diaspora Summit 2026, bringing together Nigerian professionals and investors abroad to explore new policies and investment opportunities in the country.

The virtual summit, held on 14 March 2026, connected Nigerians living in key diaspora hubs including the United Kingdom, United States, Canada and the United Arab Emirates.

Organisers said the event aimed to help diaspora Nigerians understand evolving economic policies and identify credible ways to invest and create wealth in Nigeria.

Diaspora ‘Nigeria’s 37th State’

Speaking during the summit, Fidelity Bank’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, highlighted the importance of Nigerians abroad to the country’s economy and global reputation.

“Our theme today is, ‘Navigating the New Tax Policy and Unlocking Investment Opportunities in Nigeria’. This subject is timely, practical, and matters to every Nigerian in the diaspora who earns, saves, owns assets or invests back home,” she said.

She described the diaspora community as a powerful force in Nigeria’s global engagement.

“Many people describe the diaspora as Nigeria’s thirty-seventh state, and the description fits because of your scale and your impact.” — Dr Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe

According to Onyeali-Ikpe, Nigerians abroad are not only remitting funds but also projecting the country’s image across industries including healthcare, technology, research and creative sectors.

Why the Diaspora Matters to Nigeria’s Economy

Delivering the keynote address, Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, stressed that diaspora participation is critical to national development.

She noted that Nigerians abroad contribute through skills transfer, investments, intellectual property and global exposure.

Dabiri-Erewa also commended Fidelity Bank for creating a platform that connects diaspora professionals with economic opportunities in Nigeria.

Experts Break Down Nigeria’s Economic Outlook

The summit featured presentations from several economists and industry leaders who discussed the country’s economic outlook and policy reforms.

Economist Bismarck Rewane, Managing Director of Financial Derivatives Limited, delivered a presentation titled:

“2026 Economic Outlook and Economic Opportunities in Nigeria.”

He examined Nigeria’s macroeconomic direction and highlighted sectors with potential growth.

Meanwhile, PwC tax expert Chijioke Uwaegbute explained the implications of the new tax act and what it means for Nigerians living abroad who invest or hold assets in Nigeria.

Investment Opportunities Across Sectors

The second session focused on practical strategies for diaspora investors.

Ndubuisi Ekekwe, Chairman of Tekedia Capital, encouraged investors to partner with credible institutions and follow compliant pathways when investing in Nigeria.

“Diaspora investors must prioritise informed participation supported by credible partners.”

Technology investor Ike Eze also examined the African startup ecosystem in his presentation titled “The Nigeria Tech Playbook, Funding Trends and Exit Strategy.”

He shared insights into funding trends and strategies for navigating Nigeria’s technology investment landscape.

Panel Discussion and Closing Remarks

The event concluded with a panel discussion moderated by Arise TV business news anchor Rotus Oddiri, where speakers addressed questions from participants around the world.

In his closing remarks, Fidelity Bank Executive Director and Chief Operations and Information Officer Stanley Amuchie encouraged participants to turn insights from the summit into real investment decisions.

“Ask the hard questions, seek clarity, do your due diligence, and choose partners that understand both your global context and the local terrain.”

He said Fidelity Bank remains committed to “banking without borders”, highlighting the bank’s diaspora banking solutions including multi-currency accounts, secure authentication systems and cross-border payment tools.

About Fidelity Bank

Fidelity Bank Plc serves more than 10 million customers through digital channels, 255 business offices across Nigeria, and its United Kingdom subsidiary FidBank UK Limited.

The bank has received several international recognitions including awards for digital transformation, mobile banking innovation and SME banking excellence.

African investment and advisory firm Woodhall Capital has honoured Professor Benedict Oramah, former President and Chairman of African Export-Import Bank, at a private dinner in Lagos for his leadership in advancing African trade and financial integration.

The event, held at The Oak in Ikoyi on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, brought together business leaders, financial experts, and policy stakeholders to recognise Professor Oramah’s transformative influence on the continent’s economic landscape.

Organisers said the dinner aimed to celebrate a leader whose work has reshaped African financial institutions and strengthened intra-continental trade.

Why It Matters

Professor Oramah led Afreximbank during a period of significant growth in trade financing across Africa. His initiatives supported exporters, strengthened regional financial systems, and helped African countries reduce reliance on external financing.

The recognition coincides with growing African economic integration through initiatives such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which aims to increase trade within the continent.

Tribute from Woodhall Capital

Mojisola Hunponu-Wusu, President of Woodhall Capital Group, praised Professor Oramah for using his leadership to empower others.

“Professor Oramah represents something rare in global leadership: a man who didn’t merely occupy a position, but intentionally used his platform to create opportunities for countless others,” she said.

“In this week of International Women’s Day, his recognition is particularly meaningful to me. He is among a select few who genuinely believe that female-led institutions can carry the global mantle. Every access and platform he extended to me and to Woodhall Capital has contributed to a legacy of enduring success.”

She also highlighted the firm’s relationship with Afreximbank under Professor Oramah’s leadership:

“Our journey with Afreximbank has been defined by both opportunity and exacting standards. While the Bank’s high benchmarks meant not every transaction received approval, the message was always consistent: strengthen your institution. That challenge became a foundation upon which we continue to build.”

Industry and Public Voices

Attendees included:

Akin Akinfemiwa, Chairman of Woodhall Capital Group Board

Adejare Rasheed Olaoluwa, Director

Kanayo Awani, Executive VP, Intra-African Trade Bank

Chinelo Oramah, Matron, Afreximbank Spouse Network

Viavo Hunponu-Wusu, Managing Partner, BlackStone Legal Advisory

Experts say such gatherings showcase the growing collaboration between African investment firms and continental financial institutions.

Afreximbank’s Legacy Under Oramah

Established in 1993, Afreximbank was created to promote African trade and economic integration. Under Professor Oramah, the bank expanded financing for exporters and launched initiatives to strengthen intra-African trade.

His tenure is widely credited with increasing support for African businesses, boosting financial infrastructure, and fostering cross-border commercial growth.

What’s Next

Analysts say the challenge for African economies is sustaining the momentum in intra-continental trade and leveraging the opportunities created by AfCFTA.

For firms like Woodhall Capital, partnerships with development finance institutions remain vital for supporting infrastructure, trade, and industrial growth across the continent.