About
Dera Anselm Nnadi, mni
Deputy Comptroller General of Customs (Rtd)
Leadership · Innovation · Excellence
Dera Anselm Nnadi is a retired Deputy Comptroller General of Customs with over three decades of distinguished service in trade facilitation, customs administration, and institutional reform.
Throughout his 34-year career, he has played a central role in shaping Nigeria's customs systems, driving port reforms, and strengthening cross-border trade frameworks within the ECOWAS sub-region. His work reflects a deep commitment to improving the ease of doing business, enhancing policy implementation, and fostering sustainable economic integration.
He has held strategic leadership positions across key commands, including Ogun I, Seme Border, and Tin Can Island Port, before serving at the highest levels of the Nigeria Customs Service as Assistant Comptroller General and later Deputy Comptroller General in charge of Strategic Research and Policy.
A recognized thought leader in customs modernization and regional trade systems, Dera continues to contribute to policy dialogue, institutional development, and trade facilitation initiatives across Africa.
Career Timeline
Deputy Comptroller General (Strategic Research & Policy)
Served at the apex of the Nigeria Customs Service, providing strategic direction on research, policy, and institutional reform. Also served as Member, Board of Nigeria Customs Service.
- Served as Member, Board of Nigeria Customs Service
- Directed national policy on customs modernization and institutional reform
- Shaped strategic research frameworks informing trade policy at the highest level
Assistant Comptroller General (Strategic Research & Policy)
Led the Strategic Research and Policy directorate of the Nigeria Customs Service, shaping trade policy and modernization frameworks.
- Led the Strategic Research and Policy directorate of the NCS
- Shaped trade policy and modernization frameworks at the national level
- Contributed to alignment with ECOWAS and AfCFTA trade frameworks
Customs Area Controller, Tin Can Island Port
Oversaw customs operations at one of Nigeria's busiest seaports, ensuring efficient trade facilitation and revenue collection.
- Managed trade facilitation at Nigeria's largest container seaport
- Oversaw efficient revenue collection across high-volume cargo operations
- Streamlined clearance processes to improve the ease of doing business
Customs Area Controller, Seme Border Command
Commanded the Seme Border, a critical land border between Nigeria and Benin Republic, playing a key role in ECOWAS Joint Border Post development.
- Played a key role in the ECOWAS Joint Border Post development at Seme
- Coordinated Nigeria–Benin Republic cross-border trade operations
- Strengthened bilateral trade cooperation at a critical regional crossing
Customs Area Controller, Ogun I Command
Led customs administration in Ogun State, managing cross-border trade and border protection operations.
- Managed customs administration and border protection across Ogun State
- Drove cross-border trade compliance and operational efficiency
- Led multi-command coordination for inland revenue collection
Key Achievements
World Customs Organization Merit Award
Received the WCO Merit Award for outstanding contributions to Customs–Business Relations, recognizing leadership in fostering collaboration between customs administration and the private sector.
Comptroller General's Award for Workplace Transformation
Honored by the Comptroller General of Customs for pioneering workplace transformation initiatives within the Nigeria Customs Service.
Comptroller General's Award for Excellence in Revenue Collection
Recognized for exceptional performance in revenue collection, reflecting strategic leadership and operational efficiency across commands.
Core Expertise
Key Contributions
Publications
Border Protection and National Security in Nigeria: An Appraisal of Ogun State Customs Command
Border Communities, Ungoverned Spaces and Nigeria's National Security
Trade Facilitation in Emergency and Disaster Relief Situations: Managing Cross-Border Trade Under Insurgency – Nigeria Customs Experience
Education
Doctor of Sustainable Development
University of Abuja
Master of Business Administration
University of Calabar
Postgraduate Diploma in Management
University of Calabar
B.Sc. Entrepreneurial & Business Studies
National Open University of Nigeria
Higher National Diploma, Science Technology
Federal Polytechnic Nekede, Owerri