The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reopened its revamped e-auction platform, providing an opportunity for Nigerians to participate in bidding for seized and abandoned consignments at the ports. Here are seven steps to participate in the Customs e-auction:
- Register to Bid:
- Visit the revamped e-auction platform at https://auction.nigeriatradehub.gov.ng.
- Create an account on the platform.
- Fund your eWallet to have the necessary funds for bidding.
- Place bids on desired items, such as vehicles or containers.
- Provide three essential items: a valid Tax Identification Number (TIN), a valid email linked to the TIN, and a phone number.
- Verification:
- Customs may conduct a verification process to confirm the participant’s identity by checking the provided TIN, email, and phone number details.
- Administrative/Bidding Fee:
- Pay a nominal Administrative Charge of N1,000 for successful registration on the e-auction portal.
- Every bid in an auction opportunity attracts a participation fee of N1,000.
- Viewing E-Auction Listing:
- Participants can browse the listings of items available for auction, which include details such as description and condition.
- Bidding Period:
- Auctions are periodic and open every Tuesday from 12 noon to 6 pm.
- Participants are allowed to bid for only two items in a window but can bid repeatedly on each of those two items to increase their chances of winning.
- Notification of Winning Bid:
- Once the bidding period ends, participants with the highest bids for each item are notified of their success.
- Winners are advised to promptly download their winning certificates through the provided link in the confirmation email.
- Payment:
- Winners must make payment for the items they won within a specific time frame.
- Payment methods and instructions are provided by the e-auction platform.
- Customs warns against making payments through personal bank accounts or unofficial channels to avoid fraud.
- All payments for auctioned vehicles should be made through officially designated payment gateways or banks.
- No gratification or facilitation fees are required to secure a successful auction bid.
Participants are also cautioned to be wary of unsolicited emails, phone calls, or messages claiming to be from Customs, as official communications will be sent through recognized and verifiable channels.
