Saulawa Assumes Office As Acting Customs Provost Marshal, Promises Fair Enforcement Of Discipline

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has signalled a renewed push for discipline, accountability and professional conduct following the assumption of office of the Acting Provost Marshal, Deputy Comptroller of Customs Sanusi Saulawa, who vowed to strengthen internal control mechanisms and enforce zero tolerance for misconduct across the Service.

Speaking on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, during his assumption of office at the Customs House, Maitama, Abuja, DC Saulawa said discipline would remain the backbone of operational efficiency, stressing that the Provost Unit would focus on fairness, consistency and institutional renewal in carrying out its mandate.

He said his appointment by the Comptroller-General of Customs, CGAdewale Adeniyi, came with significant responsibility tied directly to the values of integrity, professionalism and service discipline.

DC Saulawa said, “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.”

DC Saulawa noted that the role of the Provost Marshal extends beyond enforcement, describing it as a strategic office responsible for shaping institutional culture and reinforcing the standards expected of officers and men of the Service.

He said, “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.”

DC Saulawa disclosed that his administration would be guided by the policy thrust of the Comptroller-General built around consolidation, collaboration and innovation, adding that 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.”

The Acting Provost Marshal also pledged to deepen engagement with stakeholders within and outside the Service, noting that discipline and compliance can only thrive through collective responsibility.

He said, “Our officers, partner agencies and the trading community must see themselves not as subjects of enforcement, but as partners in compliance.”

On modernisation, he said the unit would embrace technology-driven systems to improve oversight and shift 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.”

DC Saulawa warned officers against acts capable of damaging the Service’s image or undermining national interests, 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 stated.

He, however, assured personnel and stakeholders that every matter brought before the unit would be handled professionally and within the law, adding, “Every personnel or stakeholder will be treated with dignity, and every case will be handled with objectivity.”

The Acting Provost Marshal took over from Acting Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs, Sanni Yahaya, who was recently elevated, having served meritoriously in the role and contributed significantly to strengthening discipline and internal regulatory frameworks within the Service.

In his remarks, Ag. ACG Sanni Yahaya expressed confidence in his successor, describing DC Saulawa as a seasoned officer with the capacity to advance the mandate of the Provost Unit.

He said, “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.”