The Postmaster General of the Federation and Chief Executive of the Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST), Ms. Tola Odeyemi, announced efforts to advance the postal reform bill, which has been stalled in the National Assembly for 15 years, into law.
Speaking at the ‘Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC) Meets PMG’ event themed “Repositioning Nigeria’s Logistics & Courier Services Sector for Sustainable Growth,” Odeyemi outlined several challenges facing the service, including infrastructure deficits, security issues like theft and vandalism, and a complex regulatory environment.
She stated that by 2027, NIPOST aims to modernize 50 percent of its locations, equating to 700 sites. Odeyemi emphasized that repositioning NIPOST is a national priority to unlock the full potential of the logistics sector and mentioned that the postal reform bill seeks to separate NIPOST’s regulatory and operational functions.
“The logistics and courier service sector is crucial for the economic development of any nation. In Nigeria, this sector has grown with the rise of e-commerce, increasing the demand for fast and reliable delivery services,” she said.
During a panel discussion, Prof. Simon Emeje, Chairman of the Courier and Logistics Management Institute (CLMI), expressed frustration that the postal bill seeking a regulatory commission has been stuck in the National Assembly since 2005. He attributed this to the government’s lack of understanding of the industry’s importance.
Prof. Emeje argued that better governmental awareness would lead to more effective policies for the sector, facilitating smoother operations for regulators and service providers. He noted the industry’s asset worth is not less than N15 trillion and has the potential to contribute significantly to Nigeria’s annual budget. Therefore, he urged greater governmental focus on the sector.
