The Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation has explained that the delay in auctioning millions of naira worth of unserviceable government assets across various project sites is due to ongoing procedural and regulatory requirements.
The clarification follows mounting concerns that the abandoned equipment — including earth-moving machines, heavy-duty tools, and industrial components — are deteriorating at locations such as the Gurara Dam in Niger State and the Upper and Lower Benue River Basin projects in Doma, Nasarawa.
In August 2025, the ministry had announced plans to auction obsolete items through a public notice signed by the Chairman, Board of Scraps and Unserviceable Items Committee, Moses Jo-Madugu.
However, over two months later, the exercise has yet to commence, drawing criticism from the Nigeria Association of Auctioneers (NAA) and other stakeholders.
NAA President, Musa Kurra, accused the ministry of flouting due process as outlined in the Public Procurement Act and the Proceeds of Crime (Recovery and Management) Act, 2023.
“Since the advertorial was published on August 20, nothing has been heard. No invitation for auctioneers, no sale dates, no follow-up communication — everything is in limbo,” he lamented.
The Kurra also alleged that informal site inspections were being carried out with private contractors instead of licensed auctioneers, warning that such actions could erode transparency.
“Government can recover significant funds from these assets, but the secrecy and delays are unacceptable,” he said.
Responding, the ministry dismissed the allegations as “misleading and incomplete.”
Its Director of Press and Public Relations, Mrs. Funmi Imuetinyan, explained that the process was not stalled but “temporarily deferred” to allow for a comprehensive audit and valuation of all unserviceable equipment in line with the law.
“The deferment ensures due diligence, transparency and compliance with guidelines of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) and the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation,” Imuetinyan stated.
She added that the Board of Scraps and Unserviceable Items Committee is working with relevant agencies to harmonise valuation reports and obtain final approvals.
According to the ministry, “Recognised and duly registered auctioneers will be fully involved at the appropriate stage,” and a fresh public notice will soon announce dates, modalities, and approved auctioneers.
Reaffirming its stance, the ministry urged the public to disregard “speculative reports of mismanagement,” insisting that all actions are aimed at ensuring accountability and recovering maximum value for government assets.
While officials maintain that the delay is procedural, stakeholders warn that prolonged inaction could further diminish the value of the ageing machinery.