The Nigerian Customs Authority has created an e-Auction platform to dispose of overdue seized import items such as electronics, cars, and much more. This is a directive to combat the lack of land space to contain already seized goods and more imported items still coming in.
To ease the process of the auction and purchase of the imported items, the Nigerian Customs created an e-auction website where all items will be on display. However, to participate in the e-auction, there are procedures to follow.
Getting Registered on the e-Auction website
- Click on the e-Auction official website link below
https://auction.nigeriatradehub.gov.ng/ - Sign up and create an account on the e-Auction Platform. A set of valid documents is required. (check out 2: Verification for the document types).
- Read the terms and conditions, then click on agree if you concur with them.
Verification
To be verified by the Customs Authority, you will need to have the following documents ready:
- Valid Tax Identification Number (TIN): This is a compulsory document to have before signing up on the Nigerian Customs’ e-Auction website. However, to acquire the TIN, you will need to visit the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) only. Ensure that you only get the TIN from the FIRS.
- Email address linked to TIN: According to the Nigerian Customs Authority, the email address must be the one linked to the TIN submitted. Otherwise, there will be a registration error and possibly a ban.
- An active phone number.
Pay the Administrative non-refundable charge:
The administrative charge is ₦1,000. Without paying the fee, your account will remain dormant.
Fund your E-Wallet on the website
Sign in to the e-Auction website, create an e-wallet, and fund it, which will activate bidding on displayed items.
Bidding Timeframe
The e-Auction platform is open for bidding every Tuesday by noon and ends by 6 pm that same day.
View the e-Auction listing and make your bids
It is important to review the available listings for the auction, including details and conditions of the item. All verified participants of the Nigerian Customs e-Auction can bid on up to two items in a particular window and place continuous bids to increase the chances of winning the auction.
What to do after winning the e-Auction bid
Once bidding is over, the platform will immediately notify the winner of the bid through an email which will contain a link to the winning certificates, which the winner must download immediately and proceed to payment.
Paying for the item
The Nigerian Customs e-Auction website will provide the necessary payment method and instructions. Do not pay to any other bank account aside from the one given by the website. The winner of the bid is required to make a payment during a specific period or lose the item.
Clearance
The clearance process usually takes 7 days. To ensure a smooth clearance process, provide the winning certificate at the location of the item storage.
Other Guidelines
- No Nigeria Customs Officer is allowed to take part in the Nigerian Customs e-Auction process.
- The owners of the seized goods are also not allowed to participate in the e-Auction process.
- The winners of the bid are mandated to make prompt payments for their bids, including a refundable container deposit, if applicable, and a 7.5% VAT.
