The Lagos State Government through its Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives (MCIC) has commenced the drive for compliance with the Auction Law Cap. A12 (2015) of the State.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives, Adetutu Ososanya disclosed this 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.
Her words: “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.