Millions of naira worth of unserviceable assets, including heavy-duty industrial and earth-moving equipment, are deteriorating across various sites nationwide, such as the Gurara Dam and Doma, because the Ministry of Water Resources’ planned auction has been stalled.
The ministry had publicly announced the intended auction on August 20, 2025. However, the sale was reportedly thwarted by internal conflicts of interest among senior ministry officials.
Musa Kurra, President of the Nigeria Association of Auctioneers, accused the ministry of insincerity and playing games, stating they failed to follow due process. He noted that since the initial vague advert, the ministry has remained silent and failed to publish necessary follow-up notices regarding sales dates and locations.
Kurra specifically criticized the ministry for attempting to conduct the auction in secrecy, excluding legally mandated auctioneers, and instead taking private contractors to inspect the abandoned, decaying assets. He asserted that officials are frustrating the Federal Government’s efforts to recover money from the equipment, which was originally bought for millions.
The Auctioneers Association demands that the Ministry of Water Resources adhere to legal guidelines, involve them in the disposal process, and ensure the entire auction is transparent and credible so the government receives fair value. Ministry officials were unreachable for comment on the matter.
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