Customs Refutes Claims of Secret Auction of Seized Containers

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has firmly denied reports alleging that it conducted a secret auction of seized containers at major ports across the country. The agency described the claims as “false, misleading, and malicious,” asserting that all auction procedures are transparent and carried out in accordance with established guidelines.

In a statement issued by the National Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Maiwada, the NCS said its attention was drawn to several media publications and online commentaries accusing the service of illegally auctioning confiscated containers without due process. Maiwada dismissed the allegations as baseless, insisting that the Customs Service operates under strict oversight and accountability mechanisms that prevent any form of secret transactions.

“The Nigeria Customs Service wishes to categorically state that there is no secret auction of seized containers anywhere in the country. All our disposal processes are guided by the provisions of the Customs and Excise Management Act (CEMA) and are conducted through the designated electronic auction platform to ensure transparency and fairness,” the statement read.

He emphasised that the electronic auction platform, known as e-auction, was introduced to eliminate human interference and enhance public trust in Customs operations. According to him, the process allows all interested Nigerians to participate by submitting bids online, ensuring that the exercise remains open and verifiable.

“Every legitimate auction carried out by the Service is advertised publicly. We maintain an e-auction platform accessible to the public, and records of all transactions are documented and subject to audit. The NCS does not, and will never, engage in any secret or underhand disposal of seized goods,” Maiwada said.

The spokesman noted that the seized containers in question were being kept in bonded terminals and government warehouses pending necessary legal and administrative procedures. He added that before any forfeited goods are auctioned, the NCS ensures full compliance with the law, including obtaining approvals from the Ministry of Finance and relevant judicial authorities.

He also clarified that some containers are still under legal disputes or awaiting valuation and classification before disposal. “It is important to understand that seized goods cannot be arbitrarily auctioned. Each case follows a rigorous process, including investigation, documentation, and legal clearance. Any suggestion otherwise is an attempt to mislead the public and tarnish the image of the Service,” he stated.

The Customs PRO urged members of the public and importers to disregard fake reports circulated by what he described as “unscrupulous elements” seeking to discredit the Service’s reform efforts. He added that the NCS remains committed to transparency, accountability, and professionalism in handling seized items, which include vehicles, electronics, textiles, and containers of imported goods detained over infractions.

“The Service is focused on facilitating legitimate trade while enforcing compliance with customs laws. We will not be distracted by falsehoods. Nigerians are advised to verify any information about auctions directly through our official communication channels,” Maiwada added.

Industry stakeholders have also reacted to the controversy. A member of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Mr. Olayinka Shittu, said that while Customs has made progress in sanitising auction procedures, greater clarity and accessibility are still needed. “Customs must continue to ensure that auction information is easily accessible. The e-auction system is good, but it needs constant updates to accommodate more users and ensure full transparency,” he said.

Shittu further called for increased collaboration between Customs and freight forwarders to avoid miscommunication about seized goods and auction processes. “Many of these rumours arise from lack of awareness. When stakeholders are informed about procedures, the chances of misinformation reduce drastically,” he added.

Similarly, an independent port operator, Mrs. Olabisi Olowu, said that Customs’ insistence on transparency was commendable but urged the agency to periodically publish lists of auctioned goods and successful bidders to further strengthen public confidence. “Transparency is key. The more open Customs is about these auctions, the less room there is for speculation or misinformation,” she said.

The Nigeria Customs Service has in recent years intensified efforts to modernise its operations through automation and digitalisation. Under the leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, the Service has prioritised trade facilitation, anti-smuggling operations, and revenue generation while also improving its public accountability measures.

Adeniyi has repeatedly emphasised that the Service will not tolerate corruption or any act that undermines its credibility. Speaking during a stakeholders’ engagement session earlier this year, he noted that the electronic auction platform was designed to reflect the Service’s commitment to openness and public participation. “Our goal is to make sure that all Nigerians, regardless of their location, have equal opportunity to participate in Customs auctions. No one should have privileged access or insider advantage,” Adeniyi stated.

The Service’s denial also comes amid growing public scrutiny of government agencies over allegations of irregular asset disposals. In recent months, several civil society groups have called for greater transparency in how seized and forfeited assets are managed, urging agencies like the NCS, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) to publish regular reports on asset auctions.

In response, Customs reiterated that it already publishes auction notices and results through official channels, including its verified website and national newspapers. It also reminded the public that participation in the e-auction system requires a valid Tax Identification Number (TIN) and registration with the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), ensuring that only credible bidders take part.

Maiwada assured Nigerians that the Service would continue to uphold integrity in all its operations. “We understand the importance of public confidence, and we are committed to maintaining it through transparency and lawful conduct. The NCS remains a service of integrity, dedicated to supporting Nigeria’s economic growth and protecting the nation’s borders,” he said.

As investigations into the origin of the rumours continue, the NCS urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity or impersonation of Customs officials. The Service reaffirmed that genuine auction exercises would only be conducted via the official electronic portal and not through social media or unofficial channels.