Customs generates over N49m from e-auction platform

Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) said it generated N49 million on e-auction platform and recorded 254 winners in four weeks across the country.

Mr Joseph Attah, Service Public Relations Officer, announced this in a statement in Abuja and made available to Daily Times.

Attah said that 6,560 persons were able to recharge their e-wallet of N1000 administrative fee and participated in the bidding process.

Attah added that with 19 commercial banks hooked to the platform, 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, a total number of 254 winners have emerged across the country with over N49 million already generated.

“NCS 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,” Attah said.

According to him, the System is being re-programmed to automatically reject such criminal antics.

Attah warned 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.

Attah said that the platform was secured, transparent, accountable and free from vices associated with manual process of the past and provided opportunity to generate more revenue for government and gave equal opportunities to all interested persons.

“For the avoidance of doubt, NCS wishes to assure the general public that the e-auction platform will continue to go live for 48 hours between Monday, 12 noon to Wednesday, 12 noon every week,” Attah added.