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Tag: NIPOST

  • NIPOST to clamp down on illegal courier firms February 2024

    NIPOST to clamp down on illegal courier firms February 2024

    From Damian Duruiheoma, Enugu

    The Nigeria Postal Service(NIPOST) has set a February 2024 deadline for all illegal courier and logistic businesses in the country to register and comply with the service’s regulations or face clamp down.

    The General Manager, Courier and Logistics Regulatory Department of the NIPOST, Dotun Shonde, made this known at a stakeholders’ meeting with courier and logistics service private providers in Enugu State to sensitize them on the need to get registered for proper regulation.

    According to Shonde, “It is what is contained in the NIPOST Act Cap 127 laws of the federation 2004 as amended

    “It is a regulation that has been in force in the past 3 decades. It is to ensure that private operators comply with that NIPOST Act by doing what is needful or legal. If you want to come into the postal space to operate as a private operator, you need to procure a grant of license from the PostMaster General of the Federation then you will be licensed to operate

    “But for some reasons, and for some period, some people have refused to comply. They have been operating without that grant of license, they have been operating illegally and that is economic sabotage as it poses a security risk

    “You don’t know who they are, you don’t know how to trace them. If you check around you’ll see some operating even without a brand name

    Read Also: 17 years after, lack of census has created information vacuum for Nigeria – NPC

    “Some are operating without a number plate, some without traceable address and these are the people who carry out nefarious activities. We’ve had cases of people operating under false pretense, they obtain money from people and tell you they would deliver both the money and the delivery you don’t get. So they are causing a negative image to the industry and pose serious security threat to other investors

    “So, the Post Master General of the federation has said enough is enough”, he said. 

    Shonde disclosed that NIPOST started the enforcement and clamp down as well as public education enlightenment sensitization since 2021.

    The chairman, Association of Courier and Logistics Operators in Enugu, Adaora Okoye said that the sensitization and engagement session was on how to conform with the rules and regulations of NIPOST so their members do not fall victims of circumstance.

  • NIPOST to begin clampdown on illegal courier firms in 2024

    NIPOST to begin clampdown on illegal courier firms in 2024

    The Nigeria Postal Service (NIPOST) has set a February 2024 deadline for all illegal courier and logistic businesses in the country to register and comply with the service’s regulations or face clamp down.

    The General Manager of the Courier and Logistics Regulatory Department of the NIPOST, Dotun Shonde made this known at a stakeholders meeting with Courier and Logistics Service private providers in Enugu State to sensitize them on the need to get registered for proper regulation.

    Shonde said: “It is what is contained in the NIPOST Act Cap 127 laws of the federation 2004 as amended

    “It is a regulation that has been in force for the past 3 decades. It is to ensure that private operators comply with the NIPOST Act by doing what is needful or legal. If you want to come into the postal space to operate as a private operator, you need to procure a grant of license from the Post Master General of the Federation then you will be licenced to operate

    “But for some reasons, and some period, some people have refused to comply. They have been operating without that grant of license, they have been operating illegally and that is economic sabotage as it poses a security risk

    “You don’t know who they are, you don’t know how to trace them. If you check around you’ll see some operating even without a brand name

    “Some are operating without a number plate, some without traceable address and these are the people who carry out nefarious activities. We’ve had cases of people operating under pretence, they obtain monies from people and tell you they would deliver both the money and the delivery you don’t get. So they are causing a negative image to the industry and pose a serious security threat to other investors

    “So, the Post Master General of the federation has said enough is enough”, he said.

    Shonde disclosed that NIPOST started the enforcement and clamp down as well as public education enlightenment sensitization in 2021.

    The chairman of the Association of Courier and Logistics Operators in Enugu, Adaora Okoye said that the sensitization and engagement session was on how to conform with the rules and regulations of NIPOST so their members do not fall victim to circumstances.

    Read Also: ‘New NIPOST CEO will leverage tech, innovation’

    She said: “Yes many of us are not licensed.  It’s not like we did not know that NIPOST was the body responsible for issuing licenses but at that time, NIPOST seemed to be a dominant participant. So everybody went on to obtain a permit from the Enugu state Ministry of Transport, (MoT) which actively clamped down on operators who didn’t have their permits and ignored NIPOST

    “But now we are ready to comply with NIPOST directives. We are starting immediately to ensure that every member at least starts with the initial N20,000 payment and start documentation before the February deadline.”

    She however thanked the NIPOST for giving them a favorable payment plan to enable them to meet up the February deadline.

  • ‘New NIPOST CEO will leverage tech, innovation’

    ‘New NIPOST CEO will leverage tech, innovation’

    The new Postmaster-General and CEO of the Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST), Tola Odeyemi, would deploy her wealth of experience in technology and innovation to turn around the fortunes of the organisation, a tech expert and Chief Executive Officer, Alpha-Geek Technologies, Oluwaseun Dania, has said.

    Reacting to her appointment, he said it marked a milestone in the era of technological advancement and policy innovation in the country.

     He commended what he described as ‘discerning decision by the Bola Tinubu administration’, which would herald a new dawn for NIPOST and is indicative of a future-forward governance approach.

    “With a sterling career reflecting a firm grounding in tech policy and government regulation, coupled with distinguished roles at global giants like Uber and Binance, Ms. Odeyemi has proven herself to be an authority in the intersection of technology and policy.

    “Her journey through pivotal roles, including being the Team Lead for the Industry Infrastructure and Technology Project (Southwest Implementation) at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and Facility Manager/External Projects Manager at 21st Century Technologies, is a testament to her in-depth knowledge and innovative leadership,” Dania said.

    Read Also: Use N50m to improve inmates’ welfare, Falana urges Minister of Interior

    According to him, in addition to her vast professional experiences, Odeyemi has displayed notable public service, having served as Executive Secretary and Senior Special Assistant to former Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, where her contributions to policy-making and strategic implementation had been profoundly impactful.

    He said Odeyemi’s extensive 15-year career, reflecting expertise in technology policy, financial technology regulation, environmental regulation, investment and trade promotion, infrastructure finance, and public sector policy reform, uniquely positions her as a trailblazer capable of steering NIPOST towards technological advancement and operational excellence in line with the goals set out by the Minister for Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani.

    “In her role as a public policy professional with a solid background in electrical and systems engineering, Ms. Odeyemi has consistently demonstrated not only her aptitude in deploying technology to meet policy and regulatory requirements but also her competency in formulating forward-thinking technology policies.

    “The mastery with which she has supervised technical teams, ensuring the execution of core objectives and her extensive policy implementation advisory expertise, particularly in the strategic implementation of frameworks for public sector, technology projects, and infrastructure financing, assures us that the future of NIPOST is bright and robust under her esteemed leadership,” Dania said.

  • Challenges before new post-master general

    Challenges before new post-master general

    • By: Babajide Fadoju


    Sir: In a ground-breaking appointment, Omotola Odeyemi assumed the role of the nation’s new Postmaster General bringing with her a wealth of experience and a strong commitment to public service.  With a career spanning the realms of technology, public policy, and governance, she is poised to usher in a new era of innovation and efficiency in Nigeria’s postal services. 

     Odeyemi has been at the forefront of implementing and regulating new technologies for the public good.  Her work has involved leveraging digital transformations to co-design innovative and inclusive public services, thereby bridging the digital divide that often plagues developing nations. 

     Before assuming her new role, she made significant contributions in the private sector. 

    She served as the Head of Government Affairs at Binance, the world’s largest block chain and cryptocurrency ecosystem in Sub-Saharan Africa.  

     In this capacity, she played a pivotal role in shaping critical conversations around block chain technology and cryptocurrency, facilitating constructive dialogues with governments across the continent.  

     Her stint at Uber Technologies as Head of Public Policy for West Africa was no less impactful.

      She collaborated with policymakers across francophone and Anglophone West Africa, fostering enduring partnerships with political and community stakeholders.  Odeyemi supported efforts in major cities across Nigeria, Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire, and Senegal to transition towards smart mobility solutions. Her extensive experience in technology, public policy, and governance, both in the public and private sectors, positions her as a trailblazer in driving efficiency and inclusivity in the nation’s postal system.  

     NIPOST is equally faced with managing the NIPOST Property and Development Company, NIPOST Transport and Logistics Company, and NIPOST Micro Finance Bank, which was created by the former minister, Dr Isa Pantami  to help unbundle the agency while harnessing its fortunes. 

    Read Also: NIPOST chief applauds Tinubu for bridging age, gender gap in governance

     Now, Odeyemi is faced with a herculean and monumental task that has to be surmounted considering the current state and perception of NIPOST across Nigeria.  

     There are expectations that she would create a plan that establishes a path forward to help the agency right its financial ship and improve service to the Nigerian people and business customers. 

     With a focus on leveraging digital transformations and her unwavering commitment to public service, Odeyemi is set to make a lasting impact on Nigeria’s postal sector, paving the way for a brighter and more connected future. 

     She holds an undergraduate degree in Electrical Engineering from Morgan State University, Maryland, and a Master’s degree in Systems Engineering from George Washington University, Washington, DC.  

     In assuming the role of postmaster general, Odeyemi brings a visionary and innovative perspective to Nigeria’s postal services. Her appointment, coming on the back of a notable number of appointments of youth to parastarals and even at the federal cabinet comes as a double-pronged approach that promotes youth inclusion alongside gender equity. Kudos to the Renewed Hope vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    • Babajide Fadoju, Abuja.
  • JUST IN: NIPOST staff protest appointment of Odeyemi as CEO

    JUST IN: NIPOST staff protest appointment of Odeyemi as CEO

    Workers of the Nigerian Postal  Service (NIPOST) have shut down the head office of the service in Abuja to protest the appointment of Tola Odeyemi as Chief Executive Officer/Post Master General.

    The Nation reports that President Bola Tinubu appointed new leaderships of communication agencies, including NIPOST.last week. 

    However, moments after the news of Odeyemi’s appointment, there were reports that Adeyemi Adepoju, the sacked Post Master-General had been reinstated.

    Read Also: NIPOST’s revenue drops by 17.05% to N3 billion

    In a viral video, Adepoju was seen addressing some workers who claimed Tinubu had reappointed him.

    But on Monday, the protesting workers denied the newly appointed NIPOST CEO entry, saying her appointment was against their wish.

    The workers, who said they preferred Adepoju, chanted solidarity songs and wielded placards.

    Details Shortly…

  • NIPOST celebrates pupil for excelling in letter writing

    NIPOST celebrates pupil for excelling in letter writing

    The Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) in Enugu State has hailed the performance of a pupil of Shalom Academy, Nsukka, Enugu State, Uche Nneke, who emerged as one of the national winners of the 2023 World Post Day Letter Writing Competition.

    Uche came third in the competition with a prize award of N50,000 from the Postmaster-General of the Federation/CEO NIPOST, Mr. Sunday Adepoju.

    Speaking during the road march to celebrate the World Post Day in Enugu, the Postal Manager, NIPOST, Enugu, Akoma Friday, expressed happiness that a national winner emerged from his state.

    He said the competition was one of NIPOST’s social responsibilities to the growing generation of Nigerians, adding that the agency would deliver the prize to the school and take the opportunity to encourage other pupils to emulate hard working Nneke.

    Read Also: NIPOST’s silent transformation

    On the celebration of World Post Day with the theme: ‘Together for trust: Collaborating for a safe and connected future’, Akoma reiterated NIPOST’s commitment to giving Nigerians affordable, reliable and tech-driven services.

    He said: “In an era characterised by rapid transformation and globalisation, trust stands as the bedrock upon which all meaningful human interactions are predicated.”

    Postal services have, for generations, embodied this trust.

    “When you entrust NIPOST with your cherished letters and packages, you are placing your trust in our hands. This trust is an inviolable covenant, one that we hold in the highest regard and pledge to safeguard as the very essence of our service.”

    Akoma restated NIPOST’s commitment to delivering its services with speed, efficiency and professionalism while maintaining the highest standard of integrity

  • NIPOST’s silent transformation

    NIPOST’s silent transformation

    By Franklin Alao

    The Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) has started to reinvent itself through its uncommon and innovative strategies to change the narratives and reinforce its relevance in contemporary times.

    In the last 11 months and following his sterling leadership style, Rt. Hon Adeyemi Sunday Adepoju, the Postmaster General of the Federation/Chief Executive Officer (CEO), NIPOST and the Management have fanned the embers of growth in the agency, therefore, exemplifying Robert Schuller’s quote which states that “Tough times don’t last; tough people do…”

    Hon. Adepoju has rejuvenated the hope of Nigerians that transformation is possible and doable for NIPOST by bringing to bear his wealth of knowledge and experience in service provision, unique insight and selflessness in less than a year.

    Different from what was obtainable, Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) is now visible, it is now seen and heard under the leadership of Adepoju because he has stirred up a fresh atmosphere of growth in the country’s logistics industry.

    NIPOST which is saddled with the critical responsibility of delivering postal items, hence Adepoju hit the ground running by acquiring and commissioning 20 brand new high-tech-operational trucks of 3 and 4 tons, equipped with inbuilt scanners connected to impact track and trace application. The vehicles were procured to provide effective and efficient mail delivery services to mitigate challenges associated with logistics. He also procured 100 motorbikes to ensure wide reach and enhance fast mail delivery, a feat which was last achieved in the organisation in 1992 (31 years ago).

    Read Also; Senate summons service chiefs over rising insecurity

    Leveraging inter-agency collaborations and partnerships, recently NIPOST and the National Agency for the Control of Aids (NACA) successfully signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to partner on the transportation of Biological Samples in the country to encourage rapid testing even in remote areas through the National Sample Integrated Referral Network (NISRN) which is adjudged as a model for developing countries.

    NIPOST has also proposed a partnership with the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) on the need to explore the viable option of the post system for the delivery of Nigerian International Passport to citizens in the diaspora and help mitigate the constant issues of supply gap.

    In line with the Federal Government’s Agenda of improved security within the country, NIPOST, in collaboration with the National Population Commission (NPC), National Space Research and Development Agency (NASDRA), NSCDC and other partners, has kick started the operation of Digital Postcode and National Address Verification System (AVS) to facilitate mail handling, identify precise locations and ensure consistency in address related database.

    NIPOST plays a critical role in facilitating trade through movements of goods from place to place which is critical in contributing to the growth of digital economy in line with the Vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu .

    Adopting forward-thinking approaches, NIPOST continues to scale unparalleled heights in the e-commerce subsector, cementing its position as a towering giant in the logistics and courier services in Nigeria with its tentacles well spread across the 774 Local Government Areas of the Country. NIPOST now stand out as the shining light in the country’s courier regulations and logistics eco-system.

    In 2021, airlifting of international outbound mails dwindled due to indebtedness of N 200 million to the airlines, and mails were not lifted as at and when due. By April same year, KLM/Air France which is our major carrier also stopped operations to all Europe and Asian countries. On assumption of office, and due to Adepoju zeal and passion for the job, directed immediate settlement of the accrued debt bringing an end to delayed international mail delivery and leading to seamless operations on international mail movement.

    Recently, the social media was awash with the dilapidated state of the Ikoyi Post office.The Postmaster General , in his penchant for growth and development renovated the Ikoyi Post Office thereby transforming it into a smart post office and a one stop shop offering world class postal services where citizens can access a number of e-government services.

    No doubt, with the emergence of Dr. Bosun Tijani as the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, NIPOST will continue to stand on the trajectory of transformation in line with globally acceptable standards .

    Both Dr. Bosun, a renowned tech entrepreneur and Hon. Adepoju, a service delivery expert would continue to drive the progress of NIPOST and certainly, NIPOST’s success story in the digital economy, despite its rocky and stormy history, will be the pride of the Nation and the African continent.

    • Franklin Alao, Nigerian Postal Service, Abuja.

  • NIPOST’s revenue drops by 17.05% to N3 billion

    NIPOST’s revenue drops by 17.05% to N3 billion

    The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has said revenue generation from postal services dipped by 17.05% from N3.63 billion in 2021 to N3.01 billion in 2022.

    This was contained in the Bureau’s document on Postal Services 2022, which The Nation obtained on Tuesday.

    It said the total revenue generated from postal activities in 2022 fell by 17.05% from N3.63 billion in 2021 to N3.01 billion in 2022.

    The document also noted that the total number of Post Offices and Postal Agencies decreased by 19.43% from 2,794 in 2021 to 2,251 in 2022.

    Read Also: NIPOST begins implementation of digitalised postcode to boost revenue

    According NBS, the total number of boxes installed in 2022 was 836,731, showing a decrease of 0.08% from 837,428 in 2021.

    The total number of PMBs available in 2022 stood at 20,775, showing a fall of 8.44% from 22,689 in 2021.

    The Bureau further said the total number of postal articles handled in 2022 increased by 102.05% from 17.7 million in 2021 to 35.7 million in 2022.

    NBS noted that Lagos state had the highest number of boxes installed in 2022 with 143,416, while Jigawa recorded the least with 1,800.

  • Re: NIPOST postmaster or banker?

    SIR: The Nation editorial of Monday, May 6, with the title ‘Postmaster or Banker?’ refers.  The editorial specifically advised the Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) to “focus on its core mandate”, instead of venturing into the tricky business of ‘opening 2,000 Microfinance Bank (MFB) outlets.’ As a concerned Nigerian, I have decided to make some few comments.

    Let us be clear on the project proposal of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in conjunction with the Bankers’ Committee, NIPOST and selected or other licensed or interested parties. It is to create more credit outlets to the rural dwellers, particularly, most of the unbanked population of this country.

    Is the project feasible? The answer, of course, is – yes. Well, this position has nothing to do with the involvement of the postmaster-general, extant staff of NIPOST or ‘what’s not’ in the scheme. Rather, it has everything to do with policy input and the determined will of the apex bank and the Bankers’ Committee to make the scheme a success.

    The Bisi Adegbuyi-led NIPOST is neither floating a microfinance bank nor abdicating its responsibilities. As a matter of fact, that issue has long been laid to rest as far back as 2016 when the postmaster-general unequivocally stated that “the establishment of NIPOST Bank was not feasible under the present economic realities and dispensation.” Instead, it is going to accommodate the bank inside its facilities or structure in designated places while it minds its core mandate. But that does not imply that ‘NIPOST Banking’ is not a worthy venture. After all, other countries have tried it and made a success of it. To set the records straight, the project is a venture undertaken by the Nigeria Incentive-based Risk-sharing System for Agricultural Lending (NIRSAL), Bankers’ Committee and NIPOST; and the objective is to bridge the intervention gap where the conventional MFBs have failed.

    Government reasons that, since NIPOST is probably the only government institution that is so close to the financially-excluded public, a National Microfinance Bank utilizing post office outlets can get the needed government interventions to the target beneficiaries. As such, the programme was designed in a way that the bank will have at least one branch in each senatorial district while the remaining NIPOST offices will provide agency to the bank’s customers as part of NIPOST agency banking scheme. Due to the importance NIPOST attaches to the development of the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), it is accommodating the bank for the purpose of contributing to the reduction of unemployment and poverty as well as the diversification of the economy.

    The argument for the appropriateness of the choice of NIPOST in the operation calculus of this scheme is unassailable. The organization, through the federal government, built post offices – of course, with the taxpayers’ money – in nearly every nook and cranny of this country, primarily, to ensure easy flow of communicable information through mails, and free long distance and effective inter-state communication. Unfortunately, with the spate of changes in technology, and adaptation to new ways of communication, isn’t the suggested conversion of these facilities into functional and productive use a brilliant idea? After all, it is in the ability of NIPOST to leverage its property for ease of logistics and operational effectiveness that the relevance and associational value is to be located. The spread and reach of the corporation’s outlets alone, guarantee access to these farmers, artisans, traders, and other would-be end-users.

    These rural dwellers are predominantly smallholder farmers, artisans, traders, street hawkers, house-helps and other low-income earners whose economic activities are seldom captured in the finance matrix and statistics of the national economy. They are not only unbanked, they are also numerically and financially unindexed. Thus, in the real terms of national finance, they are alienated. Against this backdrop therefore, this idea is not only noble and commendable, we ought to have needed it since yesteryears! After all, if our domestic economy is to be reflated and energized, a measure of banking services is needed, and must be operative in places where the least of microeconomic activities occur, especially, in the rural areas. In spinning economic activities, little banks’ advances to farmers, soft loans through MFBs to petty traders, artisans, among others, can do all the needed magic.

     

    • Abiodun Komolafe,

    Ijebu-Jesa, Osun State.

  • FG to commence N5000 cash transfer through NIPOST in Benue, Anambra, Nasarawa

    The Federal Government would soon commence payment of N5, 000 to vulnerable Nigerians in three states using the newly introduced financial services of the Nigeria Postal Services (NIPOST) for the cash transfer.

    The government said the package is under the present administration’s social welfare programme to help the poor and the needy in the society.

    Under the new contract, NIPOST is expected to dispense the N5000 cash to the poor in three states including Nasarawa, Benue and Anambra.

    The Postmaster General and Chief Executive Officer of NIPOST , Barrister Bisi Adegbuyi made these disclosures  in Oyo town during the 2018 World Post Day celebration.

    He said NIPOST was able to win the contract due to its innovative programme and use of technology to advance its services to the people across the country.

    He said: “For instance, the National Cash Transfer Office which caters for the vulnerable, the poor in the society awarded NIPOST the job to transfer cash to the poor.

    “They give them N5000, every month and because NIPOST has transformed and leveraging on technology, we were awarded the cash disposal of N5000 in Benue, Nasarawa and Anambra.

    “Who are we serving, we are serving the poor, the post is ready to deliver the goods to bring happiness.”

    Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi commended NIPOST for its giant strides in recent years, describing the event as very significant in the history of the agency.

    Speaking through his representative, Archbishop Ayo Ladigbolu, Adeyemi said NIPOST has remained the only agency that has continued to connect the people, facilitating communication and enabling the people to stay in touch.