The Nigerian Association of Auctioneers (NAA) has accused government officials of violating due process and public trust through the alleged secret sale of national assets across the country.

President of the Association, Alhaji Musa Kurra, made the allegation in a statement issued in Abuja, expressing concern that the Ministry of Water Resources had embarked on the sale of government properties in all 36 states without involving licensed auctioneers, contrary to the laws governing public auctions in Nigeria.

“Government-owned properties reportedly worth billions are being disposed of under the radar, with neither public participation nor the involvement of licensed auctioneers — the very professionals empowered by law to handle such exercises,” Kurra said.

He described the process as a gross violation of due process and transparency standards expected of public institutions, alleging that the exercise is being coordinated by top ministry officials without open advertisement or a competitive process.

“We were never informed, invited, or allowed to express interest. That should be the first and most critical stage in any public auction. Public auctions are not expected to be held behind closed doors,” he stated.

Kurra stressed that public auctions must follow a transparent procedure — beginning with public advertisement, clear participation guidelines (whether online or physical), and an open bidding process where the highest bidder is declared.

He further expressed concern that the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), the regulatory body for such transactions, may not have been carried along in the exercise.

“If it turns out that BPP was not involved, it would represent a serious procedural breach and an affront to the rule of law,” he warned.

The Association condemned the alleged secret sale, saying it undermines the Federal Government’s campaign for transparency and accountability in public finance management.

“This is beyond self-interest; it is a call to defend institutional integrity,” Kurra noted. “If government ministries can now conduct secret auctions unchecked, what stops other agencies from doing the same?”

He cautioned that failure to review the ongoing process could erode President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s efforts to promote fiscal discipline and public trust.

“The exercise, if not reviewed, risks eroding the President’s vision for a transparent and accountable Nigeria,” he added.

The Association called on the Ministry of Water Resources to clarify the process and on the National Assembly, the Bureau of Public Procurement, and anti-corruption agencies to investigate and ensure all proceeds from public asset sales are properly accounted for.

As of press time, the Federal Ministry of Water Resources had yet to respond to multiple enquiries, and calls to the Director of Press went unanswered.