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The Nigerian Auctioneers Group has taken a bold step to bring order to the auction industry by setting up a National Task Force Committee. This move is aimed at stopping illegal auction activities and making sure that only licensed professionals carry out auctions across the country.
The announcement was made in a public statement released by the National Caretaker and Electoral Committee of the Nigerian Association of Auctioneers (NAA). In the statement, the group said the new task force would focus on enforcing the rules of the association, including the constitution, code of conduct, and operational guidelines.
According to the group, the newly formed task force will be led by David Omeike, who has been appointed as the National Chairman of the committee. Omeike is well-known in the auction and security industry. He is currently the Executive Director of the International Human Rights & Dignity Defenders’ Forum and also serves as an Assistant Commissioner of Police (Supernumerary). He is a certified private investigator and a respected member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police, based in the United States.
Omeike is also a senior figure in Cosmopolitan Security and Enquirers, where he holds the position of Managing Director. His experience is expected to play a key role in leading the task force towards achieving its goals. In the past, he served as the chairman of the South-West Task Force of the Nigerian Association of Auctioneers, a role that prepared him for the responsibilities ahead.
The newly formed task force will be working to stop unregistered individuals and groups from conducting auctions illegally in Nigeria. Their work will also involve checking sharp practices that affect transparency and trust in the industry. They are expected to partner with law enforcement agencies and regulatory bodies to ensure that auction activities are carried out legally and professionally.
Some of the members of the committee include Adeyemo Adeyemi, Sani Mohammed, Danladi Mamman, Isah Muhammed, Sanusi Ahmad, Tari Emberru, Ebube Jackson, Eddy Imo, Eze Abraham, Umah Argungu, and Abubakar Abdullahi, who will serve as the Secretary of the task force.
The group stated that the decision to set up the committee is part of ongoing reforms to clean up and professionalise the auctioneering business in Nigeria. These reforms are expected to bring the Nigerian auction industry up to international standards and help build public trust in the system.
The Board of Trustees of the Nigerian Association of Auctioneers is chaired by Alfred Diette-Spiff, who was also the first president of the National Executive Council (NEC) of the association. His role as chairman of the board adds credibility to the current reform efforts, given his long-standing experience in the sector.
In recent years, there have been growing concerns about unregulated auction activities in Nigeria. Many stakeholders in the industry have complained about fraudulent practices and the rise of fake auctioneers, especially in the sale of seized or forfeited goods, government assets, and private properties. These illegal activities have not only affected the image of professional auctioneers but also led to loss of revenue for individuals, companies, and even government agencies.
The inauguration of the task force is coming at a time when more Nigerians are engaging in auctions as a way to access cheaper goods, particularly vehicles and electronics. The Nigerian Association of Auctioneers believes that having a properly regulated system will ensure fairness and protect both buyers and sellers.
The association is also encouraging members of the public to verify the credentials of any auctioneer before participating in any auction. They said this would help prevent fraud and support efforts to clean up the industry.
With the new task force in place, the Nigerian auction industry is expected to witness a new level of transparency, professionalism, and accountability. The reforms may also encourage foreign investors and partners to take the sector more seriously, especially as the country looks to boost its non-oil revenues.
