THE Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has, for the umpteenth time, expressed grave concern on how some faceless persons milk unsuspecting individuals using social media to advertise Customs auction sales and employment.
In a disclaimer that came in the form of a press statement, e-signed by the National Public Relations Officer (NPRO) of Customs, CSC Abdullahi Maiwada, he said claims purporting the shady characters’ affiliations with the Service, are a distortion of fact, aimed at swindling the dewy-eyed.
According to him, “These individuals exploit the public’s trust and ignorance, promoting fictitious auctions and sham recruitment drives, supposedly endorsed by our Service”.
He said that auctions of seized/overtime goods by the Customs have a laid-down Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for disposal, in line with the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, and never conducted via any social media platform.
“Any such claims on social media should be treated as fraudulent and promptly reported” the Customs National Spokesman said, adding that, “the only portal for e-auction in NCS is https://auction.nigeriatradehub.gov.ng”.
Further guiding the public on how Customs operates, the Service image maker said it is 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; and Youtube: NCBN Media House”, Maiwada outlined
He maintained that the Customs has an unwavering commitment to protecting the public from fraudulent activities while imploring all and sundry 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”, the statement concluded.
Eighteen-Eleven Media