The Denca Global Courier Services, a company that specialises in Entrepreneurship and Export Management, has trained no fewer than 100 customs officers on engaging in export, solid mineral, and agro-industrial businesses.
The 100 customs officers were those pencilled down to retire between the end of 2025 and 2026. The one-day capacity-building programme was organised by the Denca Global Courier Services in partnership with the World Trade Centers Association and the Nigeria Customs Service.
In an address on Monday during the training, Dr. Onyinye Queen Okpa, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Denca Global Courier Services, said that the training would prepare the officers for life after service.
Okpa noted that the training, which is themed: “From Uniform to Entrepreneur: Navigating Export, Mining & Agribusiness for a Successful Retirement,” was imperative as “early preparation is essential for a smooth transition to life after service”.
She said that the training was designed to equip officers with the skills and confidence needed to build sustainable post-service business careers. According to her, Nigeria is one of the most blessed countries on earth, with abundant natural resources and a significant market for any enterprise to thrive in, owing to the vast population of the country.
“We are the most blessed country on earth, with huge exports, solid mineral and agro-industrial potentials still largely untapped. I will urge officers retiring soon to choose enterprise, business, and export value-chains ventures they are passionate about, develop it for the benefit of themselves and their communities.
“Having served the nation meritoriously these years, we must take pride in contributing to national growth during retirement,” she said. She assured them of continued technical and advisory support from Denca Global Courier Services as they transition into entrepreneurship.
In an opening address, Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs, Tijjani Abe, noted that in today’s economy, officers must begin to explore new opportunities across agriculture, export, and the broader value chain.
Abe also highlighted the privilege of having subject experts present to share practical knowledge, urging officers to engage actively and take the training seriously. He said, “There is a need to understand what your immediate environment presents, which can be harnessed and transformed into income within the entire value chain.
“You will have the privilege of hearing directly from these experts here today on how best to move from uniform to entrepreneur. I have no doubt that you are going to draw richly from the experiences of these resource persons.”
Declaring the training open, the Comptroller-General (C-G) of Customs, Dr Bashir Adeniyi, said that the training was an investment in personal well-being and long-term financial independence.
Adeniyi, who was represented by Deputy Comptroller of General (DCG) of Customs, Dera Nnadi, reminded officers that “retirement is not an end but the beginning of a new chapter filled with opportunity, especially in agriculture”. According to him, agriculture remains the backbone of Nigeria’s economy.
He also encouraged them to take advantage of the vast possibilities in export and solid mineral mining, guided by the knowledge of seasoned professionals. The C-G said, “The aim is simple: to empower you with the tools to build a new and prosperous future after exiting the Service.
“I encourage all participants to approach this programme with openness, curiosity, and determination. “Your discipline, leadership experience, and work ethic have already given you an extra advantage to succeed in this adventure.”
The C-G lauded Denca Global Courier Services and the World Trade Centers Association for collaborating with the Nigeria Customs to make the training a huge success.
The training featured lecture presentations on “Digital Platform As a Tool for Networking and Business Opportunities” by Mrs Emmanuel Anuoluwapo as well as “Navigating Agriculture for Sustainability and Expert” by Dr Nnaemeka Obiaraeri, a financial engineer.
Other presentations included: “Transition from Uniform to Entrepreneur…The Mindset Shift”, by Mr David Oke, Vice President, World Trade Center, Lagos, and “The Bane of Non-Oil Export: A Case Study of Cassava” by Dr Henry Emejuo, a business strategist, among others.
