How to Bid in Nigeria Customs Vehicle Auctions

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) periodically opens its electronic auction platform to sell seized and overtime cargo, including vehicles and containers. To participate, prospective bidders must register on the NCS portal, which requires a valid Tax Identification Number (TIN) from the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), an active email linked to the TIN, and a phone number.

Registration incurs a non-refundable N1,000 administrative fee, and each bid requires an additional N1,000 participation fee. The auction allows participants to bid on a maximum of two items, with a six-hour bidding period.

Items are sold “as is,” and successful bidders are notified via email. They must pay within three days and collect their items within seven days of payment.

Failure to comply results in the item being returned to the auction pool. The NCS warns against fraud and advises that payments should only be made through official channels.