Don’t fall victim to fake auction, recruitment exercises on social media – Customs warns public

The Nigeria Customs Service has advised the public to beware of fake auctions and recruitment exercises circulating on social media purportedly from the service.

This is contained in a Tuesday statement issued by National Public Relations Officer of NCS, Abdullahi Maiwada on behalf of the Comptroller General of Customs.

Maiwada, a Chief Superintendent of Customs, said auctions of seized/overtime goods are never conducted via any social media platform but through laid-down Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for disposal in line with the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.

“The attention of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has been brought to escalating activities of fraudulent entities preying on unsuspecting individuals through social media platforms, falsely claiming association with the service for purposes of auctions or recruitment.

“These individuals exploit the public’s trust and ignorance, promoting fictitious auctions and sham recruitment drives supposedly endorsed by our service.

“The service wishes to clarify that auctions of seized/overtime goods are never conducted via any social media platform. Any such claims on social media should be treated as fraudulent and promptly reported.

All seized/overtime goods have a laid-down Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for disposal in line with the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023. It is pertinent to state that the only portal for e-auction in NCS is https://auction.nigeriatradehub.gov.ng,” he said.

He charged the public to verify information exclusively through the official NCS website, www.customs.gov.ng and help desk lines through – 07037891156, 0201889889, and 02018898888.

“Our commitment remains unwavering in protecting the public from fraudulent activities.

“We implore all Nigerians to exercise vigilance and prudence when approached with unverified offers or announcements regarding NCS auctions or recruitment.

“Any suspicious activities should be reported to the nearest Customs formation or through our official communication channels listed above for immediate assistance,” Maiwada said.