Nigerian Customs Identify Invalid TIN Numbers as Bane of E-Auction Process

…Gives Out 314 Vehicles for N238,922,246

By DAPO OLAWUNI

The Nigeria Customs Service has identified invalid Tax Identification Numbers (TIN) inability to service e-wallet, and poor internet network as part of the challenges confronting its electronic auction process.

The customs lamented that the integrity of the auction process is now being questioned due to the aforementioned challenges, most of which is not the fault of Customs

In spite these challenges however, the National Public Relations Officer of Customs, Mr Joseph Attah has announced that the service has given a total number of 314 vehicles amounting to N238,922,246 to bid winners as at August 25, 2020.

Attah who announced this in a press release said 187 bidders have paid in N151,022,245 while a total of N87,900,001 was disclosed as total reserved bid amount, yet to be paid.

The customs spokesman said “Since the reopening of the Nigeria Customs Service e-auction platform app.trade.gov.ng/eauction, some complaints and inquiries have been pouring in, especially from those who tried unsuccessfully due to either invalid Tax Identification Numbers (TINs), inability to service e-wallet, poor network at their locations or any other reason which are all outside the jurisdiction of the Service”

“Some of these complainants appeared to have questioned the integrity of the e-auction process”

“Summary of e-Auction as at 25th August, 2020; No. of Windows=3, Total No. items Auctioned= 314, Total No. paid for (as at 25/08/2020) = 187, Total Reserved Bid Amount=N87,900,001.00, Total Bid Amount Paid=N151,022,245.00” he said.