Auctioneers demand probe of MDAs’ asset disposal process

Auctioneers in Nigeria have launched a formal complaint against government ministries, departments and agencies, accusing them of usurping the role of licensed auctioneers and violating legal procedures in the disposal of public and seized assets valued at billions of naira. The Nigeria Auctioneers Association (NAA) made the allegations during a press briefing held on Thursday, with its national president, Musa Kurra, condemning what he described as a systemic breach of due process. According to Kurra, several government bodies, including the Nigeria Customs Service, have established internal mechanisms to evaluate and sell off assets, bypassing the requirement to engage licensed auctioneers as stipulated by law. These actions, he claimed, have led to the loss of substantial government revenue and compromised the transparency of public asset management. The association argues that the current approach undermines the legal framework designed to ensure fair and competitive bidding processes for the sale of seized goods and forfeited properties. Kurra pointed out that the Nigeria Customs Service, in particular, has created an internal auction structure known as the Direct Auction Administration Department, which he labeled as unlawful. He emphasized that the customs authority has been operating outside the bounds of the law, asserting that the department's existence contravenes existing statutes. “What they are doing is illegal,” Kurra stated, highlighting the lack of adherence to the Code of Conduct for Public Officers and other relevant legal instruments governing asset disposal. The association further criticized the manner in which certain high-value items have been sold, citing examples where the proceeds fell significantly short of market values. Kurra mentioned one instance involving 338 vehicles, including models such as the Toyota Prado SUV and Hilux truck, which were reportedly sold for a total of N3.38 million. According to his calculations, each vehicle fetched approximately N10,000, a sum he claims is vastly below the actual market value. “This is not just a loss of revenue, it is a betrayal of the public trust,” he said. In addition to financial losses, the NAA warned that the unauthorized practices have eroded the integrity of the auction system. Kurra stressed that once assets are officially forfeited, they become public property and must be sold through a transparent process accessible to the general public. “The law mandates that whenever assets are seized, they must be valued by a professional and auctioned to the public via licensed auctioneers,” he explained. “This ensures maximum returns and accountability.” The association is calling for an independent investigation into the asset disposal processes of various government agencies, especially those suspected of circumventing legal requirements. Kurra expressed concern that the current trend reflects a broader disregard for the rule of law among some public officials. “There are too many agencies that believe they are above the law,” he said, adding that the situation poses a serious threat to the efficiency and fairness of public asset management. The NAA has also raised concerns about the potential misuse of public resources, particularly in cases where imported goods have been sold without proper valuation or auction procedures. While specific details remain under review, the association has indicated that similar discrepancies may exist in other instances, further fueling calls for reform and oversight. As the debate over the legitimacy of government-led auctions continues, the pressure on authorities to uphold legal standards and restore public confidence grows stronger.