Indication has emerged that the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) has concluded arrangements for resumption of auction sales of seized goods imported into the country. It would be recalled that the Service had in the last couple of years suspended auctioning of goods due to observed valuation crisis and abuse of processes.
However, there seems to be a new model of auctioning to be driven by technology so as to limit chances of human interaction in the process to tame corruption both on the side of buyers and the Service personnel.
Besides, before now, there had been several fake online auctioning platforms some of which had already duped many prospective buyers using auction pretexts.
However, the Public Relations Officer of NCS, Joseph Attah, says in a matter of days, the service will officially deploy electronic auction platform for Nigerians to avail themselves opportunities’ to buy seized goods that have been languishing at several warehouses in parts of the country.
The image maker gave some terms and conditions attached to the oncoming auction sales, saying interested Nigerians who want to benefit from the auction should approach the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) to acquire the Tax Identification Number (TIN).
He noted that all the needed electronic systems designed for the sales are in place and undergoing integrity tests after which the auctioning will start.
Attah said “I told you earlier that the electronic auction platform is ready and undergoing a User Acceptability Test (UAT),” confirming that “In a matter of days, it is going to be officially deployed for Nigerians”.
“Those who want to be part of this system should approach the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) to acquire the TIN. That is what it takes, they should get that ready.
