When Nigerian Customs Service launched the e-Auction platform on July 3rd, 2017, many Nigerians doubted the authenticity and transparency of this platform where seized items would be sold through online bidding, but today it a reality and a dream come true for Nigerian as witnessed yesterday. This strategy was adopted by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to beat fake agents to their game. The portal is networked to designated banks to ensure money accruing from the auction gets to the Central bank of Nigeria Treasury Single Account for transparency and accountability. e-Auction platform was designed in a way that only proper pictures of the goods as well as detailed information about each will be uploaded to avoid and misgiving.
The Controller, Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit, Zone ‘A’, Ikeja, Lagos, Compt. Uba Garba Mohammed explained to newsmen yesterday at FOU Zone ‘A’ warehouse before presenting the keys of the two vehicles to the winners, that about 19 commercial banks are now hooked to the platform and interested bidders now have the option of choosing banks nearest to them for ease of transactions. “Four weeks after the official launch of the NCS e-auction platform, https: app.trade.gov.ng/eauction by the Comptroller-General of Customs, retired Col. Hameed Ali, alot of winners have emerged across the country from various Customs Commands and Zones.
Compt. Uba Garba Mohammed confirmed that Nigeria Customs Service has already taken steps to deal with the challenges posed by fraudulent bidders who log in to frustrate other genuine bidders by placing bogus and unrealistic figures. “In some cases, they send SMS to supposed winners congratulating them. Apart from de-activating the Tax Identification Numbers (TIN) of these elements, the option for second highest bidder to win when the highest winner fails to pay has been jettisoned. “In such situation, the item reverts to the system for fresh bidding. Winners are informed only through e-mails from the system not by SMS,” Compt. Uba Garba Mohammed said. According to him, the System is being re-programmed to automatically reject such criminal antics. Compt. Uba Garba Mohammed advised fraudulent bidders to keep off the platform and allow interested Nigerians to reap the benefits of the transparent system that presented equal opportunity to all. He said that NCS resolve to ensure the success of the e-auction, was motivated by the inherent benefits of the platform. Compt. Uba said that the platform was secured, provided opportunity to generate more revenue for government, and gave equal opportunities to all interested persons. He added that the platform was transparent, accountable and free from vices associated with manual process of the past, that is the change brought by the administration of Comptroller-General of Customs, Col. Hameed Ali (Rtd).
According the first the winners of this e-auction bid, Mr Agu Okechukwu, a business man from Enugu State commended the NCS for this giant stride. He said the bidding process was very free, fair and transparent. The e-auction platform is a commendable programme where you have the opportunity to bid for a car of your choice and if declared winner, you have the car. Sincerely, there is no favouritism in this process”.
Another winner from Ogun State, Mr Ayokusehin Dahunsi said that he was surprised when he received email from Nigeria Customs Service as of one of the winner of the e-auction bid , infact he concurred that a true change is taking place in Nigeria Customs Service and Nigeria now and that the transparent system of this e-auction has presented equal opportunity to all Nigerians .
BY :GRASSROOTS PUBLISHERS