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By Merit Ibe
In its bid to support sustainable development goals by providing rural banking, the Nigerian Postal Service NIPOST has disclosed that it is currently providing financial services such as postal cash and other international fund transfer like Western Union on its counters.
It also disclosed that that it is in partnership with NIRSAL micro finance bank which can be accessed in its various offices.
The Post Master General and CEO of NIPOST, Dr Ismail Adewusi, who made the remark at the ongoing Lagos International trade fair, noted that the theme of this year’s fair, which is “Connecting businesses and creating value” was apt, as communication is critical to connecting businesses and postal service is one of the most popular medium of communication.
He noted that effective postal service facilitates business activities and makes the environment more conducive for the public.
Explaining that the agency helps to make the remmitance of trade values in terms of money order, postal order, stamps, financial services more convenient, he added that in places where there are no banking facilities, postal service is there to provide ease of business.
Having embraced innovation,he said NIPOST has taken advantage of the new technology developed new business models, products and services that meet the needs and expectations of the current dynamic markets.
He noted that its campaign on the fair this year include stamp denotation, EMS and parcel , address verification system , bulk post and currier and logistics regulatory department (CLRD), Philately and others.
He disclosed that the agency’s handling of items is currently in time with global best practices as the agency has introduced the use of quality bubble wraps to protect and safeguard items from moisture and breakage.
On his part, Dotun Shoende general manager, courier and logistics, regulatory department of NIPOST, explained that to checkmate as a regulatory arm , it has synergised , partnered and is still engaging stakeholders to reach out to those who are not mindful of what regulation is all about.
“We sensitise the public , would be investors and engage all stakeholders” adding that the arm of the agency was doing more of enlightenment before enforcement.
“Everybody needs to cooperate. All comers attitude has to be checkmated, so that those who have invested can have return on their investment. It’s good to be on the side of the law, illegality is not befitting. So we talk to investors to leverage on the opportunity and do right.”
General Manager, EMS Parcel Nigeria, the courier arm of NIPOST, Biodun Ogundele noted that government has recognised that NIPOST is both the regulator and operator, but was making efforts to ensure there is complete separation.
According to him, the moment the postal bill becomes operational , it will effectively separate both duties.
“But for now, anything that has to do with courier, there must be a body to regulate it. In case of issues, users can refer to the courier and logistics regulatory dept, which is the regulatory body for all courier concerns in Nigeria. “It does not spare EMS because there should be a level play field.”
Ogundele disclosed that the agency needed the support from everyone to meet up with its digitalisation need.
