The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has been accused of fraud in its ongoing e-auction process, as one individual allegedly secured over 300 vehicles at the rate of N10,000 each.
These allegations arise despite the agency’s deployment of advanced technology to curb fraud. The NCS had introduced electronic platforms for its auctions in 2017 to enhance transparency. Due to bidder accessibility issues, the platform was suspended.
Ahead of the ongoing e-auction process, Customs spokesman Abdullahi Maiwada announced a new platform to prevent fraud.
Yet, the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) 100% Compliance Team raised concerns in a letter addressed to Comptroller-General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.
In the letter titled “The Monumental Stealing By The Customs Auction Committee And Their Plans To Dispose-Off Overtime Containers,” signed by National Coordinator Alhaji Tanko Ibrahim, the team alleged widespread fraud.
The letter claimed that more than 300 vehicles were auctioned to a single person after substantial underhand payments, with a nominal sum of N10,000 collected as duties to the federal government. The team further expressed apprehension about similar practices being extended to the auction of overtime containers.
“As if that is not enough, plans have been concluded to extend the same odious treatment in the auction of overtime containers. No gain in saying that those containers were only ‘abandoned’ there due to the huge shipping and terminal demurrage accrued over time. Most have paid their duties. We think it is better to invite the consignees to take delivery devoid of the outstanding demurrages. The economic situation dictates so.”
“We, therefore, implore your good offices to institute a thorough investigation into these unholy practices carefully organized and perpetrated by this auction committee operating presently at the Tin Can Island Port Complex and PTML,” the letter concluded.
CREDIT: WEST AFRICA WEEKLY