NCS Revamps E-Auction Platform For Transparent Disposal Of Seized and Overtime Goods By prince Benson Davies

In pursuit of its commitment to continuous improvement, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) unveiled its revamped e-auction platform on Tuesday, January 16, 2024.It explained that the strategic move aligns with the guidelines outlined in the newly enacted Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, showcasing its dedication to efficiency and fairness.
The new platform, accessible at https://auction.nigeriatradehub.gov.ng, is an upgraded version of the previous portal designed to provide Nigerians with an equal opportunity to participate.
Since its re-launch, the platform has recorded impressive results, including 1,137 bids; 1,099 registered applicants; 652 successfully paid administration fee; 100 vehicles uploaded on the window, as well as 86 vehicles bided and won.
The NCS restated that successful bidders should promptly download their winning certificates through the provided link in the confirmation email, adding that subsequently, winners are required to present the certificate where the goods are
domiciled, and the clearance process is expected to be done within seven days.

In a statement made available to journalists, the NCS said: “It is also pertinent to note that the auctions are periodic and open every Tuesday from 12:00 noon to 6:00 p.m., providing the public with regular opportunities to select and bid for desired items.
“For comprehensive details and guidelines on the e-auction process, interested
participants are encouraged to visit the NCS website at www.customs.gov.ng. Any
concerns or complaints can be directed to the NCS Helpdesk at 07037891156, operational from 9:00am to 5:00pm on Mondays to Fridays every week.
“While we acknowledge occasional glitches reported by participants, potentially attributed to high traffic, our dedicated technical team is actively addressing the situation. We assure the public that initial issues will be swiftly resolved to ensure a seamless experience in all subsequent exercises.”
The statement added that the NCS remains committed to transparency, accessibility, and public engagement through the revamped e-auction platform targeted at fostering a fair and efficient process for the disposal of seized and overtime goods.

Nigerian Shippers Council Lauds Ports & Cargo On Investments In Maritime Sector
Newly appointed Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC), Mr. Pius Ukeyima Akutah has expressed satisfaction over the impact Ports & Cargo Handling Services Limited, the flagship company and subsidiary of SIFAX Group has had on the nation’s maritime sector.
Speaking during his maiden courtesy visit to the management of the terminal, the Shippers Council boss noted that Ports & Cargo has maintained its status as the foremost indigenous terminal operator in the country and has made stakeholders proud with the way it has run its operations.
Akutah said: “We are very pleased with the operations of the terminal over the years. You have positioned yourself as a terminal to reckon with. Your investments in the maritime sector have continued to shape the growth of the blue economy and you have proven that you have the necessary expertise to run this terminal very well.
“I want to solicit your support as always. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has given us a mandate and his eyes are firmly on the growth of the sector. We will roll out measures that will support your continued growth. The Council will firmly collaborate with all operators this year to maximize success and entrench more automation of the sector too.”
In his response, Managing Director of PCHS, John Jenkins, thanked the NSC boss and hinted that the terminal is open and willing to collaborate with the council to achieve the vision of the president.

“We are happy to inform you that our terminal was the first visited by the newly-appointed Executive Secretary, Nigeria Shippers Council. During the visit, he lauded the huge investments the company has made in making sure that it remains the foremost indigenous terminal of repute,” he said.
Other management team members of the terminal present during the visit include Executive Director, Administration, Captain Ibraheem Olugbade; Executive Director, Operations, Tobi Afolabi; Assistant General Manager (AGM) Transfer, PCHS, Sogo Faola and Head, SIFAX Stevedoring, Patience Nwaogwugwu.

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

PIX 1:

L-R: Capt. Ibraheem Olugbade, Executive Director, Administration, Ports & Cargo Handling Services Limited; Pius Ukeyima Akutah (MON), newly-appointed Executive Secretary/CEO, Nigerian Shippers Council; John Jenkins, Managing Director, Ports & Cargo Handling Services Limited and Tobi Afolabi, Executive Director, Operations, Ports & Cargo Handling Services Limited during the maiden courtesy visit of the Shippers Council boss to Ports & Cargo Handling Services Limited, operator of Terminal C, Tin Can Island Port, Apapa and subsidiary of SIFAX Group

PIX 2:

R-L: John Jenkins, Managing Director, Ports & Cargo Handling Services Limited presenting a souvenir to Pius Ukeyima Akutah (MON), the newly-appointed Executive Secretary/CEO, Nigerian Shippers Council, during the maiden courtesy visit of the Shippers Council boss to Ports & Cargo Handling Services Limited, operator of Terminal C, Tin Can Island Port, Apapa and subsidiary of SIFAX Group

PIX 3:

The management of Ports & Cargo and the Nigerian Shippers Council in a group picture together during the maiden courtesy visit of the Shippers Council boss to Ports & Cargo Handling Services Limited, operator of Terminal C, Tin Can Island Port, Apapa and subsidiary of SIFAX Group.

PIX 4:

L-R: Pius Ukeyima Akutah (MON), newly-appointed Executive Secretary/CEO, Nigerian Shippers Council giving his speech during his maiden courtesy visit to Ports & Cargo Handling Services Limited, operator of Terminal C, Tin Can Island Port, Apapa and subsidiary of SIFAX Group.