…As COWA moves to combat drug abuse, empower the needy
From Ndubuisi Orji, Abuja
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has said that the Federal Government realised a total sum of N556,738,736 as revenue from the E-auction of vehicles, which it embarked upon recently.
The NCS, in a statement, by its National Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Maiwada, said contrary to allegations in certain quarters, there were no underhand dealings in the e-auction of vehicles or any other goods.
It noted that the NCS is a law-abiding organization, which is committed to transparency, accountability, and adherence to the rule of law in all its activities.
“We wish to categorically deny involvement in fraudulent activities or underhand dealings in the e-auctioning of vehicles or other goods. The NCS Auction Committee operates within the confines of the law and adheres strictly to established guidelines and procedures for disposing of seized/overtime goods.
“Regarding the allegation that over 300 vehicles have been auctioned to just one individual via the e-auction window after purported underhand payments, we wish to state that this is entirely false, misguided, and spurious. Furthermore, suggesting that a token sum of N10,000 is collected as duties to the Federal Government on the e-auction window, which has a reserved price of N400, 000 is indeed misleading and a misrepresentation of facts.
“From the data generated upon completing five successful bidding windows, 13,605 applicants registered in five windows on our e-auction portal, where 476 vehicles were uploaded, and 462 won. Also, the government realized N556,738,736 as revenue. It begs the question of where the allegations are coming from.”
Meanwhile, the Customs Officers Wives Association (COWA) has said it is working towards empowering no fewer than 100,000 less privileged persons, before the end of 2024.
The President of COWA, Kikelomo Adeniyi, who stated this while speaking at the relaunch of the association, in Abuja, said the group is resolved to lead the campaign to raise awareness about the dangers of illicit drugs as part of efforts aimed at eradicating the scourge.
Adeniyi, who is also the wife of the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, said the primary objective of COWA was to build relationships, partnership and friendship to support the nurturing of healthy communities.
“Our aim is to improve, contribute and promote equality for the less privileged and to advance their social and economic condition by providing education, food, shelter, health, clothing, employment programmes and support services to no fewer than 100,000 people before the end of this year.”