The Nigerian Auctioneers Association (NAA) has expressed support for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over its digitised E-Auction platform, describing the initiative as a major step toward promoting transparency, accountability and efficiency in the disposal of forfeited assets.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, the President of the Nigerian Auctioneers Association, Alhaji Musa Kurra, commended the leadership of the EFCC for embracing technology-driven reforms in public asset auctions and pledged the association’s continued support in strengthening the process.
Kurra also used the briefing to clarify the authentic leadership of the association following recent media reports in which another individual allegedly claimed to be the association’s president.
According to him, the statements credited to the individual do not reflect the official position of the Nigerian Auctioneers Association.
“I am the duly elected President of the Nigerian Auctioneers Association, having emerged at the National Delegates Conference held in Ibadan, Oyo State, on October 28, 2023, for a four-year tenure,” Kurra stated.
He explained that the election was conducted in compliance with an order of the National Industrial Court sitting in Bauchi, which directed the association to conduct its leadership election within three months and submit the outcome to the court.
Kurra stressed that the association does not recognise anyone who is neither an elected officer nor an authorised representative as speaking on its behalf. He added that the matter has been reported to the appropriate authorities for necessary action.
Speaking on the EFCC’s asset disposal process, the NAA President praised the Commission under the leadership of Barrister Kayode Olukoyede for adopting a transparent and technology-driven approach through the E-Auction platform.
“The EFCC leadership has consistently demonstrated commitment to conducting public auctions in a transparent, accountable and digitised manner through the E-Auction platform,” he said.
According to Kurra, the platform was introduced to eliminate sharp practices, widen public participation and ensure value for money in the disposal of forfeited assets.
He disclosed that members of the Nigerian Auctioneers Association have actively participated in auction exercises across the country and noted that where operational challenges emerged during the early implementation of the platform, the association engaged constructively with the EFCC by providing professional recommendations.
“We are pleased to note that the necessary remedies have since been implemented by the Commission to strengthen the process,” he added.
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Kurra urged members of the public, government institutions, financial organisations and prospective bidders to verify auction-related information through official channels and ensure that only licensed and certified auctioneers are engaged for legitimate transactions.
He reaffirmed the association’s commitment to professionalism, integrity and the rule of law, stating that the NAA will continue working closely with the EFCC and other relevant stakeholders to ensure that the disposal of forfeited public assets is conducted in a transparent manner that serves the best interests of Nigerians.
The association maintained that continued collaboration between regulatory agencies and professional bodies remains essential for strengthening public confidence in Nigeria’s asset recovery and disposal framework.
