Hyacinth Chinweuba
The Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, has expressed concern over the failure of commercial banks to hook up to the e-auction platform which the Service launched on July 3, 2017.
The NCS observed that the situation is creating inconveniences that may lead to a wrong perception and doubts on the integrity of the process.
This is contained in a statement released by Joseph Attah, the Customs National Public Relations Officer, in reaction to complaints and concerns by members of the public on the integrity of the e-auction regime.
According to the Service, all the 23 Customs duty collecting banks designated for the exercise were carried along and properly trained in the process. When the platform was developed, it was subjected to user- acceptability test with all the banks, including the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). Throughout this period, according to Attah, no bank indicated any problem with the platform.
Shortly after the unveiling of the regime, however, only Jaiz Bank was ready and active on the platform, a development that prompted the Service to immediately write and request all the designated banks to “integrate with the e-auction application for the recharging of e-wallet”.
Another letter was sent to CBN expressing the need for her to confirm the readiness of commercial banks under its supervision to perform their roles in the process to ensure the success of the project.
This clarification, the Customs says, has become necessary to correct whatever wrong impressions being created that only one bank is presently on the platform.
Despite the initial hitches, the Service says, the first 48 hours bidding period, Monday 12 noon to Wednesday 12 noon, produced 43 winners. Items uploaded were 130 vehicles with all the 43 bidded for won.
While 282 people registered, 268 were enabled with 245 able to generate e-wallet assessment. Out of 177 that recharged their e-wallets, 68 bidded and 43 emerged as winners.
The second round of bidding which commenced July 10, 2017, is expected to stop by 12 noon on Wednesday, July 12, 2017.
The statement assures the general public that the Service is ready and determined to ensure that the transparent and accountable e-auction process succeeds as more banks are expected to hook up to the platform and ease the process for bidders.