The Certified Institute of Auctioneers of Nigeria (CIAN) says that the body has capable and well-trained certified auctioneers who can handle the auctioneering industry both online and traditionally in the line with the best international practice comparable to anywhere in the world.
Speaking to journalists in Lagos, Hassan Adeleke, registrar of Certified Institute of Auctioneers, Nigeria, said that the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC’s) effort to auction some items recovered under the fight against corruption, deserves commendation, however, the body of local auctioneers does not want to believe reports that the Ibrahim Magu led – commission will be inviting foreign certified auctioneers to carry out an assignment, which local certified auctioneers can do very well.
When asked about the reports credited to Magu, who disclosed EFCC’s decision to invite non-Nigerian to assist the agency to sell off recovered assets, the registrar said he believes that EFCC chairman was misquoted.
“The Certified Institute of Auctioneers of Nigeria wishes to place on record the appreciation of our institute about the effort of the acting chairman of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ibrahim Magu and his team in the fight against corruption and economic crimes in Nigeria.
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“We are however surprised about the statement credited to him in the nation newspaper of 1st November 2019 and some online newspapers that foreign auctioneers will be engaged to auction the pieces of jewellery and luxurious houses forfeited to the federal government as a result of court order made absolute against the former minister of petroleum resources as well as sales of other recovered assets within the purview of the commission, Adeleke said.
Adeleke said that to sell these assets particularly the houses located in different countries abroad, they believe that Valuers were engaged to determine their reserve prices.
“We don’t believe he is inviting foreign certified auctioneers to carry out an assignment which local certified auctioneers can do very well. We believe his assertion is simply that of collaboration,” he said.
Practitioners have agreed that countries all over the world use their local professionals to carry out these types of assignment not only for economic and security reasons but for proper accounting, monitoring and sanctions when the need arises.
For the first time in Nigeria, a public advertisement was made last year in many newspapers by the EFCC under the acting chairman requesting the services of local certified auctioneers and many auctioneers were prequalified and shortlisted.
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According to Adeleke, the process was transparent and competitive among the local auctioneers.
“This process should be sustained by engaging local and well-trained Certified Auctioneers with international partnership and affiliation which is in no small measure will generate more foreign exchange and employment to the development of auction industry expertise in Nigeria.”
In terms of international collaboration, The Certified Institute of Auctioneers Nigeria has a memorandum of understanding with the National Auctioneers Association [USA] National Association of Valuers and Auctioneers (UK), respectively.
Adeleke added that with the strength of membership and professional competence of CIAN members, they in the best position to render any auction services in Nigeria and overseas and we are ready to partner with EFCC and other MDA’s to achieve best results in the interest of all Nigerians.
