Customs auctions 3,522 cartons of matches worth N17.6m in Katsina

The Sector 4 Command of the Joint Border Patrol Team of the Nigerian Customs has initiated a public auction of 3,522 cartons of matches with a Duty Paid Value of N17.6 million, primarily aimed at supporting petty traders in Katsina State.

Each carton is being sold at the rate of 5,000 Naira, a price significantly below half of the normal market value of about 13,000 Naira. This move is part of measures to alleviate the prevailing economic challenges affecting citizens.

The matches, which are of foreign origin, were seized while loaded on a truck bearing registration CO-436-KT along the Kano Expressway, following credible intelligence received since January 2, 2024.

While investigations into how the vehicle was contracted by the owner of the matches are ongoing, the Unit Coordinator, Comptroller Kola Oladeji, announced during a press briefing at the Command’s Northwest Headquarters in Katsina, that the auctioning exercise was approved and directed by the management of the Nigerian Customs Service, under the leadership of Customs Comptroller General, Bashir Adeniyi.

In appreciation of the support received, Oladeji commended the Nigerian Customs Service management for providing the necessary assistance for the unit to carry out its duties effectively.

Adeniyi further revealed that the management recently allocated two additional brand-new Hilux vehicles to the unit, expressing the commitment of the unit to fulfilling its assigned tasks.

“The management under the leadership of the CGC was so magnanimous and said these items should be sold to members of the general public as part of palliatives to solve the ongoing hardship, we are selling them below half,” noted Oladeji.

He emphasized the significance of this gesture, highlighting the number of residents, particularly petty traders, who are eagerly participating in the auction.

“At the end of this exercise, the money generated by the accountant of the Command from the auctioning will be deposited and paid into the Federation Account,” Oladeji added, ensuring transparency and accountability in the process.