Minister advocates reversal of zero budget status for Postal Service

The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy Dr. Isa Pantami, is canvassing for a reversal of zero budget status for the Nigerian Postal Service,(NIPOST) which has been the practice for so many years.

The Minister said this situation has hampered the growth of NIPOST and the postal industry.

Mr Pantami was speaking at the Courier Services Forum organised by NIPOST in Abuja.

He emphasised the need for stakeholders in the Nigerian Postal Industry to come together and brainstorm on how to enhance efficiency in the industry in line with global best practices.

The Minister noted that the rule making process as the first step in stakeholders’ engagement is lacking in most government agencies

On his part the Postmaster General of the Federation, Dr. Ismail Adebayo Adewusi commended the Minister for  his intervention during the uproar generated with the release of the new regulation of Courier and Logistics business in Nigeria.

Adewusi noted  that the challenges and grey areas between stakeholders have been ironed out through positive engagement.

He also commended Association of Nigeria Courier Operators (ANCO), Nigeria International Air Courier Association (NIACA), and MSMEs for their cooperation.

On behalf of the Courier Operators, Okey Uba, President of ANCO, commended the Minister and the Postmaster General for giving them audience during the issues concerning the licenses fees and creating an enabling environment for them to operate.

Uba sought the Minister’s support for development of the Postal sector and improvement of the industry.

He, while he solicited proper enforcement of the new regulations and to empower NIPOST to carry out Policy guidelines for the industry to thrive.

Mercy Chukwudiebere