As part of efforts to revamp and upgrade logistics and courier processes to world-class standards for improved international mail exchange, Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) has announced plans that will see 50% of its 1,400 offices modernized by 2027.
According to Nairametrics, this was made known by the Postmaster-General of the Federation, Ms Tola Odeyemi at the Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC) event, “NBCC meets Postmaster General” on Thursday in Lagos.
“There is work ongoing on the Postal Reform Bill to separate the regulatory arm from the operation arm as many stakeholders are clamouring. By 2027, NIPOST is modernising 50% of its 1,400 office locations and we are open to working with partners to advance the country’s logistics ecosystem,” she told the gathering.
Making NIPOST affordable
The Postmaster General stated that the Federal Government is committed to making the Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) an affordable, last-mile delivery hub solution for goods and services. She, however, noted that challenges such as poor road networks, inadequate warehousing facilities, vandalism, thievery and infrastructural deficiencies hindered the full potential of the logistics and courier sector. Odeyemi said that a constant and strategic upgrade of regional infrastructure was important to maintain a competitive logistics and courier ecosystem. She revealed that some successes have been recorded since she assumed office such as the optimization of logistic network, slight, affordable review of prices, and clearance of backlog of postage.
No competition with private players
While noting that the postal service has also imputed technology into its service, and collaborated with other agencies and organizations to improve its reach, Odeyemi said: “NIPOST is not competing with private players but is there to complement their efforts as the last mile solution on delivery. “We recently collaborated with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) to provide special rates for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
“There is also the pilot partnership with the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) in Taraba and Abia states for bio-specimen collection thereby building the nation’s health. “Let us work together to build a logistics sector that is efficient, reliable, secure, viable, innovative, and trusted, serving the needs of business and contributing to the inclusive growth of the nation’s economy.”
Transforming Nigeria’s logistics
Also speaking, the President of NBCC, Mr Ray Atelly, stressed the need to explore the transformative potential of Nigeria’s logistics and courier services; a sector pivotal to Nigeria’s economic development and global integration. He noted that logistics and courier services are the backbone of any thriving economy, as they facilitate trade, connect markets, and ensure the seamless movement of goods and services. Atelly added that in Nigeria, the sector held immense potential to drive sustainable growth, enhance competitiveness, and improve the quality of life for citizens.
