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Customs Opens e-Auction Goods Portal

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9 years ago

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The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has stepped up its national market expansion drive with the opening of a new e-auction portal for disposing of seizures that have undergone the process of court condemnation.
According to the service, “ only tax payers with federal inland revenue service (FIRS) issued tax identification umber (TIN) will be eligible to participate in the new regime of auction sales of seized items by the customs service.
“The portal, www. trade gov.ng  requires application to imput  recent passport photo with a payment of non refundable administrative fees of N1000
The new e -auction portal for the sales of seized items at customs commands across the country is expected to reduce congestion in the various government warehouse and increase revenue from the sales.
The Comptroller- General of customs , Col- Hammed Ali, (rtd) introduce the process as a way of enhancing transparency, reduce human contacts, and ensure that only the higher bidders, for any auctioned items takes it.
Aside tax identification number (TIN) by prospective bidders, other terms and conditions includes exclusion of customs officers and their families from participating in the bidding process either directly or by proxy.
The guidelines also indicate that auctioned items cannot be replaced or fund paid refunded to bidders.
It was also gathered that successful bidders are expected to make payment within five working days as auctioned items whose winners fail to pay within the period forfeit the auctioned items to the second highest bidders.
According to the customs, successful bidders will be given a period of 14 days from the date of payment to remove the items bidded for or forfeit the auction at the expiration of the period
“Any auctioned item not removed from the warehouse within 14 days from the date of payment shall revert to its pre- bidding status which makes such items open for sale again”
Winners in the auction process are also expected to pay 25 % of the auction  amount  to the terminal operators with another 25% of the auctions amount to the shipping line operator, owners of seized  items are excluded  from bidding for them but may however  participate  in the bidding of other items, while owners  of  overtime items  with evidence of payment of duty and other  charges  has priority over a successful bidder of the item provided  the item has not be exicted out of customs  control.
Interested per sons will be expected   to access what is put for sales through NCS trade portal i.e www trade gov.ng,interest to bid and the system will trigger victory to the highest bidders.
The new auction policy is coming 19 months after customs auctions were suspended following the voluntary retirement of the former comptroller – general of customs, Dikko Inde Abdullahi. There has been media reports that seized goods
amounting to billions of naira that have been condemned through court process are lying in the warehouses.
When contacted, the customs spokesman, AC Joseph Attah ,said the CGC took time to entrench the new method that requires deploying of  ICT, avoiding human contact and influences.
He said apart from increases of revenue for government, the online platform will ensure integrity of the process.
Attah added that the new system is undergoing a test run for applicant acceptability before it is open to the public for access and transaction.
Billions of naira is expected to be generated from the sales which includes cars, trucks, tankers, leather and other items seized from smuggling who ostensibly wanted to evade duty payment
It would be recalled that President Buhari early 2016 approved the distribution of perishable items like rice, soap, clothe, vegetable oil etc to internally displaced persons (IDP) Camps in the North East.

 

Nkpemenyie Mcdominic,  Lagos

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COAS Tasks Troops To Dominate Battlespace, Intensify Offensive In N/Central

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4 days ago

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May 29, 2026

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The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has tasked troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD to dominate the battlespace and intensify offensive operations against kidnappers, bandits and other criminal elements in the North Central region.

Shaibu gave the directive yesterday during his maiden operational visit to the Headquarters, Joint Task Force North Central (JTF-NC), at Sobi Barracks, Ilorin.

This is contained in a statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, in Abuja, yesterday.

Shaibu said the Nigerian Army would remain resolute in its constitutional responsibility of safeguarding lives and property, stressing that troops must sustain pressure to decisively deny criminal elements freedom of action.

He assured personnel of continued deployment of combat enablers and operational resources to enhance clearance operations and dismantle criminal hideouts across Kwara and Niger states.

The COAS reaffirmed his commitment to troop welfare, noting that improved welfare remained critical to sustaining morale, operational effectiveness and combat readiness.

He urged the troops to remain disciplined, professional and loyal to the Constitution and the democratically elected government.

Earlier, the Theatre Commander, JTF-NC Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD, Maj.-Gen. Yakubu Yahaya, commended the COAS for his strategic leadership and support.

Yahaya assured that troops would remain committed and steadfast in restoring peace and stability in the region.

 

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Obuah’s Victory Excites Former Lawmaker as APC Primaries Conclude in Rivers West

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4 days ago

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May 29, 2026

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A former member of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon. Nathaniel Uwaji, has expressed excitement over the emergence of Bro Felix Obuah as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Rivers West Senatorial District following the party’s just concluded primaries.
Hon. Uwaji, who formerly represented Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Constituency I, described Obuah’s emergence as a reflection of the wishes and aspirations of the people of Rivers West.
Speaking shortly after voting at Ward Five, Obrikom, Uwaji commended party members and supporters for turning out en masse to participate in the exercise and vote for what he described as “the right candidate.”
According to him, Bro Felix Obuah’s reputation as a bridge builder and grassroots politician makes him well suited to represent Rivers West in the Senate.
“Bro Obuah’s antecedents speak volumes across the length and breadth of Rivers State. The people are pleased to have him represent them at the National Assembly because he has paid his dues,” Uwaji stated.
The former lawmaker further noted that Obuah has remained unwavering in his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Nyesom Wike, whom he described as key political leaders with strong followership in the state.
“There is no doubt that Bro Obuah has consistently demonstrated loyalty and support to both President Tinubu and Chief Wike. He remains one of the strongest allies of the FCT Minister,” he said.
Uwaji maintained that Obuah’s popularity and political track record have endeared him to the people, stressing that his victory at the primaries was widely expected.
“The name Bro Obuah is already a household name in Rivers State politics because of his track records. This victory has once again demonstrated his popularity and acceptance among the people,” he added.
He also thanked the people of Ward Five, Obrikom, and other stakeholders for their overwhelming support during the primaries, expressing confidence that the APC candidate would record another victory during the 2027 general elections.
“As you can see from the results, the people voted overwhelmingly for him, and they will repeat the same feat during the main election in 2027. Ward Five, Obrikom, will be among the first to deliver results for Bro Obuah and Mr. President,” Uwaji declared.
The former lawmaker also commended security agencies and electoral officials for ensuring a peaceful, free, fair, and credible primary election process.
He assured constituents that Bro Felix Obuah would not disappoint the people if elected into the Senate.
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Navy Upgrades Training, Infrastructure To Tackle Security Threats

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4 days ago

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May 29, 2026

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The Nigerian Navy says it is expanding training and infrastructure to address emerging security threats and strengthen operational efficiency across formations and units nationwide.

The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, spoke during the inauguration of projects at the Nigerian Navy Basic Training School (NNBTS) in Onne, Rivers as part of activities marking the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary.

Abbas, represented by the Flag Officer Commanding, Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC), Rear Adm. Ebiobowei Zipele, said the projects reflected significant progress made by the navy since its establishment in 1956 from the British Royal Navy.

“Training and infrastructure have improved significantly to meet contemporary security challenges and fulfil the navy’s constitutional responsibilities.”

According to him, the anniversary provides the navy an opportunity to reflect on its achievements and contributions over the past seven decades.

Projects inaugurated included a remodelled female trainees’ hostel accommodating more than 500 occupants and an expanded golf course upgraded from one to nine holes.

Others were the NNBTS fuel dump, Chief Boatswain’s Mate House, renovated pharmacy department and a new theatre block at the Naval Medical Centre, Onne.

Abbas described the new theatre as a major milestone for the navy’s medical services.

“Previously, injured personnel requiring surgeries were referred outside the facility.

“With this theatre, surgeries can now be conducted within the base.’’

He added that a 30KVA inverter had also been installed to guarantee uninterrupted electricity supply at the training school.

The naval chief assured officers, ratings and trainees that the navy leadership remained committed to their welfare and wellbeing.

“These infrastructure upgrades show the commitment of the Chief of Naval Staff to addressing operational and welfare challenges promptly,” he said.

In addition, NAVTRAC distributed educational materials to pupils of Community Primary Schools One and Two, Ogale, in Ebubu-Eleme area of Rivers.

Items distributed included exercise books, school bags and other writing materials as part of the navy’s civil-military engagement initiative.

Zipele said the outreach was designed to strengthen relations between the navy and host communities while supporting children’s education.

“Education remains critical to national growth and youth empowerment. Some of these pupils may eventually serve in the Nigerian Navy,” he said.

He noted that the initiative demonstrated the navy’s commitment to educational development, peace, security and sustainable community relations.

Zipele urged the pupils to remain disciplined, focused and committed to their studies while embracing patriotism, integrity and hard work.

He thanked the Ebubu community for its continued support for the naval training command headquarters and the navy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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