Little by Little: The Steady Rise of Dera Nnadi to Deputy Comptroller-General

The Biblical phrase “little by little” (Deuteronomy 7:22) captures the patient, deliberate, and systematic journey that defines true progress. Few careers illustrate this principle more clearly than that of Dera Nnadi, who has just been decorated as a Deputy Comptroller-General (DCG) of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).

Few careers embody this truth as vividly as that of Dera Nnadi, the newly decorated Deputy Comptroller-General (DCG) of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).

Many years ago, Dera wore the modest insignia of an Assistant Superintendent II Officer — a single star on his shoulder. Even then, he stood out for his intentional approach to work. While others often went through the motions of service, Dera had already recognized that knowledge was the cornerstone of true career advancement. With uncommon dedication, he embraced every opportunity to learn, sought out exposure, demonstrated mastery, and, most importantly, applied his knowledge to deliver measurable value to the institution he served.

That disciplined, incremental growth has now culminated in a remarkable achievement. Last week, Dera Nnadi was decorated with the rank of Deputy Comptroller-General — the second highest position in the NCS hierarchy. The ceremony was presided over by the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Chief Wale Edun, alongside the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Bashiru Adeniyi, MFR.

For those who have watched his journey closely, the elevation was neither sudden nor accidental. It was the reward of decades of focus, resilience, and a clear understanding that true progress is not built in leaps but in steady steps.

Congratulations, DCG Dera Nnadi, mni — your story is an inspiring reminder that line upon line, brick upon brick, success is constructed on the foundation of knowledge, discipline, and service.

Dera Nnadi’s steady rise from Assistant Superintendent II to Deputy Comptroller-General of Nigeria Customs Service is a powerful story of discipline, knowledge, and incremental growth.