Customs: Why e-auction platform was upgraded

The Nigeria Customs Services (NCS) says its electronic auction (e-auction) platform was upgraded to make it more secure.

The revamped portal was launched on January 16, 2024.

Abdullahi Maiwada, national public relations officer of customs, told TheCable on Saturday that the upgrade was needed to address “some deformities” noticed in the old version.

“It’s an upgrade of what we have started [with]. When we started, we started with some deformities,” he said.

“This is an upgraded version. We tried to make it better, make it more robust, and secure and make sure that some of the errors we detected during the earlier process is revamped. We’re trying to do it in a better way.”

The NCS started the auction in 2017 to decongest its warehouses. The customs suspended the exercise a few weeks after commencement after “fraudsters hacked into the system”.

However, the electronic auction of vehicles resumed on the agency’s portal in 2020.

Speaking on the revamped portal in a statement on Friday, Maiwada said the upgraded portal was designed to provide Nigerians with an equal opportunity to participate in the agency’s auction activity.

“This strategic move aligns with the guidelines outlined in the newly enacted Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, showcasing the agency’s dedication to efficiency and fairness,” he said.

“The new platform, accessible at auction.nigeriatradehub.gov.ng, is an upgraded version of the previous portal designed to provide Nigerians with an equal opportunity to participate.”

Maiwada said since its relaunch, the platform has recorded impressive results, which include: 1,137 bids; 1,099 registered applicants, 652 successfully paid administration fees, 100 vehicles uploaded on the window, and 86 vehicles bid and won.

He said the auctions would be held periodically to provide opportunities for interested bidders to bid on their desired items.

“Subsequently, winners are required to present the certificate where the goods were domiciled, and the clearance process is expected to be done within seven days,” Maiwada said.

“It is also pertinent to note that the auctions are periodic and open every Tuesday from 12 noon to 6 pm, providing the public with regular opportunities to select and bid for desired items.”

Maiwada also encouraged interested participants to visit the NCS website for comprehensive details and guidelines on the e-auction process.

He also acknowledged the occasional glitches reported by participants but said a dedicated technical team is actively addressing the situation.

“We assure the public that initial issues will be swiftly resolved to ensure a seamless experience in all subsequent exercises,” Maiwada said.

The customs spokesperson said the service remains committed to transparency, accessibility, and public engagement through its revamped e-auction platform.

He added that this would foster a fair and efficient process for the disposal of seized and overtime goods.