The Nigeria Customs Service has signalled a renewed push for discipline, accountability and professional conduct following the assumption of office of its Acting Provost Marshal, Deputy Comptroller of Customs Sanusi Saulawa.Speaking during his takeover on April 22, 2026, at the Customs House in Maitama, Saulawa pledged to strengthen internal control mechanisms and enforce zero tolerance for misconduct across the Service.He emphasised that discipline remains the backbone of operational efficiency, noting that the Provost Unit would prioritise fairness, consistency and institutional renewal in executing its mandate.“I am honoured by the confidence reposed in me, and I fully recognise the weight of this mandate. It goes to the very heart of discipline, integrity and professionalism within our Service,” he said.Saulawa explained that the role of the Provost Marshal goes beyond enforcement, describing it as a strategic office responsible for shaping institutional culture and reinforcing the standards expected of officers and men.“The role of the Provost Marshal is not merely about enforcement. It is about shaping culture, strengthening systems and reinforcing the values that define who we are as a Service entrusted with national security, trade facilitation and revenue generation,” he added.He disclosed that his administration would align with the policy thrust of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, built around consolidation, collaboration and innovation. According to him, disciplinary procedures across Commands and Units would be reviewed to ensure clarity, transparency and timely resolution of cases.“There must be clarity, consistency and fairness in how discipline is administered. We will reinforce existing frameworks, eliminate ambiguities and ensure that our processes are transparent, timely and accountable,” he stated.The Acting Provost Marshal also pledged to deepen engagement with stakeholders within and outside the Service, stressing that discipline and compliance thrive on collective responsibility.“Our officers, partner agencies and the trading community must see themselves not as subjects of enforcement, but as partners in compliance,” he said.On modernisation, Saulawa revealed plans to adopt technology-driven systems to enhance oversight and transition from reactive enforcement to preventive compliance monitoring.“In a rapidly evolving global trade environment, traditional methods alone are no longer sufficient. We will embrace technology and data-driven systems to enhance transparency and efficiency,” he noted.He warned officers against acts capable of undermining the Service’s image or national interest, insisting that misconduct in critical areas would not be tolerated.“There will be zero tolerance for misconduct in critical areas such as flagrant abuse of standards, abuse of office, and actions that compromise revenue generation and national security,” he warned.Saulawa, however, assured personnel and stakeholders of professionalism and fairness in handling all cases, stating that due process and respect for individuals would be upheld at all times.He took over from Acting Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs, Sanni Yahaya, who was recently elevated after contributing significantly to strengthening discipline and internal regulatory frameworks within the Service.In his remarks, Yahaya expressed confidence in his successor, describing Saulawa as a seasoned officer capable of advancing the mandate of the Provost Unit.“DC Saulawa is a thorough professional with a firm grasp of service discipline and institutional ethics. I am confident that he will build on the progress made and take the Provost Unit to greater heights through fairness, consistency and unwavering commitment to duty,” he said.
