September 23, 2022

The Lagos State Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives (MCIC) has commenced the drive for compliance with the Auction Law Cap. A12 (2015) of Lagos State.

This was revealed by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives, Mrs. Adetutu Ososanya while receiving the leadership of the National Association of Auctioneers (NAA) and Certified Institute of Auctioneers of Nigeria (CIAN) on behalf of the Honourable Commissioner, Hon. Dr. (Mrs) Lola Akande at the Ministry recently.

The Permanent Secretary stated that the drive for compliance has kicked off with the sensitisation of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of the State and 57 LGAs/LCDAs, assuring that the exercise will be followed with physical engagements with Accounting Officers of the MDAs and Chairmen of the LGAs/LCDAs.

“The Ministry is already acting on the circular issued by the Office of the Head of Service directing all government establishments to patronise auctioneers registered with the State. I can assure you that your members will soon start getting jobs”, she said.

Ososanya affirmed the readiness to commence physical engagement with the Office of the Head of Service/Public Service Office (OHS/PSO) and the Ministry of Transportation (MOT), both of which are critical to the implementation of the Law while cascading sensitisation and mobilisation to the local councils.

“Let me assure the leadership of NAA and CIAN of continued government support to ensure only licensed auctioneers are engaged for the exercise in the State”.

The Director of Commerce in the Ministry, Helen Adesina expressed delight at the joint meeting, which was the first between the two bodies, encouraging them to work together and hold regular meetings to foster a stronger bond and harmonious relationship in the interest of the profession.

She reiterated the need for those with expired licenses to renew without delay as that qualifies them to practice.

Speaking earlier, the Chairman of the National Association of Auctioneers (NAA), Chief Babatunde Cole canvassed the need for compliance with the HOS Circular 014 amongst the State and Local Government establishments, noting that the Association has engaged OHS/PSO and the Lagos State House of Assembly for support.

The Registrar, Certified Institute of Auctioneers of Nigeria (CIAN), Mr. Adeleke Hassan, remarked that the Institute is a professional body of auctioneers that promotes professionalism and provides training for practitioners to ensure standardisation in operations.

“The Institute recognises the Association and vice versa as we do not want to end up with two professional bodies. The challenges of the two bodies are identical and we are fighting for the same interest”, he said.

He further requested the Ministry to encourage MDAs to make use of the service of registered practitioners which will be to their benefit as they will get the best value in all transactions.

Pioneer Chairman of CIAN, Lagos State Chapter, Jagun Onabanjo opined that many MDAs and LGAs/LCDAs have unserviceable assets which can be disposed to generate revenue and advocated the buy-in of all stakeholders at entrenching standard in auctioneering practice in Lagos State.