Source: Daily Trust
The Federal Government has announced an upcoming 15% reduction in courier service costs throughout Nigeria, following a new partnership between the Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) and the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN). This news was shared by NIPOST’s Postmaster General, Tola Odeyemi, during the World Postal Day celebrations in Abuja.
Odeyemi explained that the cost reduction would take effect as the benefits of the recently signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between NIPOST and SMEDAN begin to materialize. The collaboration is aimed at supporting Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) by providing them with more affordable access to markets and improving last-mile delivery services.
“NIPOST and SMEDAN have solidified this partnership to aid MSMEs. With its implementation, these businesses will benefit from a 15% reduction in courier costs, better market access, and enhanced last-mile delivery services,” Odeyemi stated.
Beyond reducing courier costs for businesses, the initiative is expected to create new jobs and contribute to Nigeria’s economic growth.
Additional Partnerships and Initiatives
Odeyemi also discussed NIPOST’s ongoing collaboration with the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) to facilitate the transportation of biological samples across the country. This project, which is nearing completion, seeks to strengthen the national system for referring biological specimens through the National Integrated Sample Referral Network (NiSRN), using NIPOST’s extensive logistics capabilities. Initial launches are planned for Taraba and Abia states.
Moreover, NIPOST is working on developing a National Addressing System in collaboration with the National Population Commission (NPoPC) and other partners. This system will streamline mail handling, enable precise location identification, and establish consistent address databases. The initiative is expected to benefit government agencies, financial institutions, and businesses by improving overall efficiency.
Promoting Financial Inclusion
In celebration of World Postal Day, NIPOST introduced its Agency Banking Solution, POTMONI, which aims to provide accessible and affordable financial services to Nigerians. This initiative is designed to promote financial inclusion, particularly in underserved areas, by connecting more Nigerians to banking services.
As part of the World Postal Day festivities, NIPOST’s state offices are hosting roadshows and events across the country to highlight the postal service’s innovations and its contributions to Nigeria’s socio-economic development. “Our mission remains to showcase the innovations, vision, and vital role NIPOST plays as a driving force in Nigeria’s growth,” Odeyemi concluded.
