By ebosele@hotmail.com. —
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has organised a one-day capacity-building programme aimed at equipping officers preparing for retirement with practical knowledge and entrepreneurial skills for life after service.
Held at the Service’s headquarters in Abuja, the training brought together 100 officers and focused on the theme: “From Uniform to Entrepreneur: Navigating Export, Mining & Agribusiness for a Successful Retirement.” The programme was delivered in partnership with Denca Global Courier Express and the World Trade Centers Association.
In his opening remarks, Deputy Comptroller-General Tijjani Abe underscored the importance of early planning, noting that officers must begin to explore viable income-generating opportunities across agriculture, export and other value chain segments.
“There is the need to understand what your immediate environment presents, which can be harnessed and transformed into income within the entire value chain,” he said. He urged participants to take full advantage of the insights shared by subject experts and approach the training with seriousness and curiosity.
Representing the Comptroller-General of Customs, Deputy Comptroller-General Dera Nnadi delivered the keynote address, describing the initiative as an investment in the long-term financial independence and personal development of retiring officers. He emphasised that retirement should be seen as a transition into new possibilities—particularly in agriculture, which he noted remains the backbone of Nigeria’s economy.
“The aim is simple: to empower you with the tools to build a new and prosperous future after exiting the Service,” Nnadi stated, encouraging officers to leverage their discipline, leadership experience and work ethic as they venture into post-service careers.
The Special Guest, Dr. Onyinye Queen Okpa, CEO of Denca Global Courier Services, delivered a compelling presentation on Nigeria’s vast natural resource endowments. She highlighted the country’s largely untapped export and solid minerals potential and urged participants to pursue value chains they are passionate about while building ventures that contribute to both community development and national growth. She assured them of Denca’s continued support throughout their entrepreneurial journey.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks, commending the officers for their enthusiastic participation and encouraging them to apply the knowledge gained as they prepare for a successful transition into civilian and business life.
