Corruption allegations mar Nigeria e-auction process

 

Weeks after its maintenance, Nigeria's electronic auction system has lurched into crisis amid charges of corruption levied against Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) officers.

The most damaging claim is that over 300 vehicles were auctioned to one person through the e-auction window after dubious payments.

Some participants in the e-auction have also claimed that malfunctions, which NCS has already admitted to, were a plot by the Customs Auction Committee to deny them the opportunity to bid while favouring others.

A participant, speaking on the condition of anonymity, accused NCS of fraud, stating last week, the timing of submitted bids was manipulated, and bids were closed before the conclusion of the offer window.

The e-auction is held weekly on Tuesdays.

The bidder presented "evidence" linked to a complaint submitted to the NCS.

He requests that the NCS conduct an investigation into its officers' involvement in the e-auction process and prosecute them.

According to Abdullahi Maiwada, Chief Superintendent of Customs and National Public Relations Officer, the agency denies charges of fraud in the e-auction process.

He referenced "successful" bidding statistics as proof of fairness and accountability, while also emphasising NCS' commitment to transparency and respect to established norms.

"It is disheartening to note the serious allegations regarding the integrity of the ongoing e-auction process designed to provide a level playing ground for all Nigerians," Maiwada said in a press release.

"We completely reject any involvement in fraudulent actions or unethical dealings in the e-auction of autos or other products. The NCS Auction Committee operates within the law and scrupulously follows established norms and procedures for disposing of seized/overdue goods."

Concerning the claim that over 300 vehicles were auctioned to one person after purported underhand payments, he remarked, "We wish to state that this is entirely false, misguided, and spurious."

Five bidding windows have opened since the revised system went live in January.

Maiwada revealed the government earned around N556.7 million (US$366,000).

A total of 13,605 applications registered in the e-auction portal's windows, with 476 automobiles uploaded and 462 sold.

"It begs the question of where the allegations are coming from," he remarked.

Customs began the e-auction in 2017, promising transparent sale of seized commodities, thus freeing ports of abandoned vehicles and containers wrongly brought into the country.