By Abubakar Hamza
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has signalled a renewed drive for discipline, accountability and professional conduct following the assumption of office of Acting Provost Marshal, Deputy Comptroller of Customs, Sanusi Saulawa.
Speaking on Wednesday at the Customs House in Maitama, Abuja, Saulawa said discipline would remain the backbone of operational efficiency, stressing that the Provost Unit would prioritise fairness, consistency and institutional renewal.
He said his appointment by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, carries significant responsibility tied to integrity, professionalism and service discipline.
“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 noted that the role of the Provost Marshal extends beyond enforcement, describing it as a strategic office responsible for shaping institutional culture and reinforcing standards among personnel.
He said his administration would align with the Comptroller-General’s policy thrust of consolidation, collaboration and innovation, adding that disciplinary procedures across Commands and Units would be reviewed to ensure clarity, transparency and timely resolution.
“There must be clarity, consistency and fairness in how discipline is administered. We will reinforce existing frameworks, eliminate ambiguities and ensure transparent and accountable processes,” he added.
The Acting Provost Marshal also pledged to deepen engagement with stakeholders within and outside the Service, noting that compliance thrives on collective responsibility among officers, partner agencies and the trading community.
On modernisation, he said the unit would adopt technology-driven systems to improve oversight, shifting from reactive enforcement to preventive compliance monitoring in line with global trade realities.
Saulawa warned officers against misconduct capable of damaging the Service’s image or undermining national interests, stressing zero tolerance for abuse of office, violation of standards and actions that compromise revenue generation and security.
He, however, assured that all cases would be handled professionally, with fairness, objectivity and respect for due process.
Saulawa succeeds Acting Assistant Comptroller-General, Sanni Yahaya, who was recently elevated after contributing to strengthening discipline and internal regulatory frameworks.
In his remarks, Yahaya expressed confidence in his successor, describing him as a seasoned officer capable of advancing the mandate of the Provost Unit through fairness, consistency and commitment to duty.
Abubakar Hamza/Yusuf Z
