CGC Adeniyi Appoints ‘Discipline Czar’ as Provost Marshal; New PM Warns Against Misconduct

…As Acting Provost Saulawa Assumes Office, Promises Fair but Firm Enforcement



The Nigeria Customs Service has signalled a fresh 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, 22 April 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, Adewale Adeniyi, came with a heavy 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.”

He 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, saying 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 move 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 image of the Service or undermining 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 standard, 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 confines of the law, adding, “Every personnel or stakeholder will be treated with dignity, and every case will be handled with objectivity.”

Calling on officers to embrace the moment as a new phase of institutional rebirth, DC Sanusi said discipline should not be viewed as punishment but as a pathway to excellence.

“This is not a period of stricter enforcement alone, but a new phase of professional renewal. Discipline is not a burden, it is the backbone of excellence.” He added.