Invalid TIN hobbles Customs’ electronic auction as bidders pay N151.022m for 187 vehicles.

Segun Oladipupo   |   

Nigeria Customs Service has explained why some prospective bidders are unable to access the e-auction platform created by the Service for equitable auction sales of impounded items.

The National Public Relations Officer of the Service, Deputy Comptroller Joseph Attah said that some of the bidders could not access the platform because of their invalid Tax Identification Numbers (TIN).

He added that some of the factors working against successful logging into the platform include poor network at their locations or any other reason which are all outside the jurisdiction of the Service.

Below is the full text of the release containing the information,

“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 access service e-wallet, poor network at their locations or any other reasons which are all outside the jurisdiction of the Service.

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

“For the avoidance of doubt, the following is the update so far:

“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

“Anybody still in doubt may wish to take a look at the attached printout containing names of winners and their details,” he submitted.