By Fredrick Ameh
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has moved to tighten internal discipline and accountability with the assumption of office of Deputy Comptroller of Customs Sanusi Saulawa as Acting Provost Marshal.
Speaking on Wednesday, 22 April 2026, at the Customs House in Maitama, Saulawa pledged a renewed focus on fairness, transparency, and strict enforcement of service rules across Commands and Units.
His appointment was approved by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, as part of broader reforms aimed at strengthening discipline, institutional ethics, and operational efficiency within the Service.
Saulawa said discipline remains central to Customs operations, noting that without it, trade facilitation, revenue generation, and national security objectives could be undermined.
He described the Provost Unit as more than an enforcement arm, saying it plays a key role in shaping organisational culture and reinforcing professional standards among officers.
“There must be clarity, consistency, and fairness in how discipline is administered,” he said, adding that the unit would streamline procedures to eliminate ambiguity and ensure the timely resolution of cases.
The Acting Provost Marshal also announced plans to integrate technology-driven systems into disciplinary oversight, shifting the unit towards preventive monitoring rather than reactive enforcement.
According to him, digital tools and data systems will improve transparency and reduce delays in handling misconduct cases.
Saulawa further warned officers against actions that could damage the image of the Service, stressing that misconduct in sensitive areas such as abuse of office and revenue compromise would not be tolerated.
However, he assured that all personnel and stakeholders would be treated with dignity and that due process would guide all investigations.
In his remarks, former Acting Assistant Comptroller-General Sanni Yahaya expressed confidence in the new appointee, describing him as a disciplined officer capable of strengthening institutional integrity.
He noted that the transition reflects continuity in the Service’s internal reform agenda.
The development signals a clear message from Customs leadership: internal discipline is being repositioned as a core pillar of operational efficiency.