Customs auctions, recruitment, never on social media platforms, ‘Beware of Scammers’ — PRO warns

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

Again, the Nigeria Customs Service(NCS), has in an unmistakable terms warned the general public that the auction of seized goods were never conducted via any social media platforms of the service.

In a scam alert issued by the National Public Relations Officer(PRO), NCS, Chief Superintendent of Customs Abdullahi Maiwada, made available to Nation Update, said the service has got so disturbed by the escalating incidences of fraudulent auction alerts, advised general public to always verify any of such information on customs official web site.
The release however disclosed phone numbers, emails and social media handle platforms to contact for inquiries.
It stated, “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.

“For authentic updates about the operations of NCS, we strongly encourage the public to verify information exclusively through the official NCS website, www.customs.gov.ng. Additionally, you can contact our help desk lines through – 07037891156, 0201889889, and 02018898888. You can also reach out to NCS formations nationwide.

“Furthermore, our trusted official social media hubs for reliable, accurate and timely updates about NCS are as follows: Facebook: CustomsNG, X (Formerly known as Twitter): @CustomsNG
TikTok: @Nigeria_Customs
Instagram: Official_CustomsNG
Threads: Official_CustomsNG
WhatsApp Channel: Nigeria Customs Service, Youtube: NCBN Media House
“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.”
It will be recalled that NCS had issued similar alert last November 2023.