World Post Day: NIPOST Launches Agency Banking Solution

By: Na'ankwat Dariem

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The Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) has unveiled the Agency Banking Solution -POTMONI – as part of the activities to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the establishment of Universal Postal Union (UPU) and Post for Planet.

The Postmaster General of the Federation of NIPOST, Tola Odeyemi, who disclosed this in a statement, said that the unveiling of the POTMONI was aimed at bringing accessible, convenient and affordable financial services to Nigerians nationwide and from any location across the globe.

Odeyemi explained that POSTMONI is an Electronic Money Order Solution customized for NIPOST to connect for the greatness of the country and the advancement of the Nigerian Postal Service.

She said: “As part of the activities to mark this year’s celebration, is the unveiling of NIPOST Agency Banking Solution (POTMONI) -aimed to bring accessible, convenient and affordable financial services to Nigerians nationwide and from any location across the globe.

“POSTMONI: An Electronic Money Order Solutions- Customized for NIPOST to connect for the greatness of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the advancement of the Nigerian Postal Service.”

The Postmaster General also announced the launching and issuance of a single N250 postage stamp by the Postal Service depicting the Logo of 2023 World Post Day to also mark the 150th year of postal service globally.

Odeyemi said the World Post Day remained a day set aside to celebrate the establishment of the UPU, and symbolized an excellent opportunity for Postal authorities in all countries of the world to educate the public of the important and invaluable contributions which the Postal Services makes in the social–economic development of nations.

She stressed that as a fundamental means of communications that is easily accessible to the people, there is no doubt the Post Office occupies a very unique position in every country and continues to serve as an essential instrument of economic and social development in the country, enabling an unprecedented level of connectivity between people, businesses and governments worldwide.

Similarly, Odeyemi maintained that Postal Service also provided a framework for cooperation, ensuring that mails could be sent and received reliably, efficiently and affordably across borders, adding that the coming together of all stakeholders in the Postal Service space is to commemorate the incredible journey of communication, innovation and empowerment that the postal service has undertaken, connecting peoples.

According to Odeyemi, the Federal Government through the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmad Tinubu, has as a matter of priority reiterated its commitments to the evolution of the Nigerian Postal Service leveraging on Technology and ensuring that the postal system remains nationally relevant and globally competitive.

She pointed out that the theme for this year’s World Post Day ‘150 years of enabling communication and empowering peoples across nations’ was not just to mark an occasion, but to honour a legacy—a legacy that spans 150 years, adding that the theme resonates deeply Nigeria’s core values.

The Postmaster General described communication as the foundation of progress and understanding which speaks directly to the heart of the NIPOST’s mission and the profound impact it had made, and continue to make, on the world.

“It is, therefore, imperative to state here that postal workers globally need to be celebrated for the exceptional roles they play to continually deliver services and items at post offices and to various homes courageously, not minding the circumstances as it creates a bond between the postmen and the innumerable individuals they interact with daily.

She underscored the importance of Post Offices as it serves as essential hubs for cohesiveness, inclusiveness and connected communities.

“It encompasses a multitude of services, including express delivery, e-commerce, financial services and logistics support to name just a few.

“As we celebrate the UPU 150-years milestone, Nigerian Postal Service will join other 192 member-nations of the global postal agency today to launch and issue a single postage stamp to commemorate the 150TH anniversary of the establishment of Universal Postal Union (UPU 150TH ANNIVERSARY COMMEMORATIVE POSTAGE STAMP (1874-2024)) and Post for Planet. The stamp is in Two Hundred and Fifty Naira (N250.00K) denomination depicting the Logo of 2023 World Post Day.

“In celebrating, we are also proud to celebrate every milestone that we have been able to achieve so far. Recently, NIPOST and Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) formalized a partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at supporting Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

“The implementation of this partnership, MSMEs can anticipate a 15% reduction in courier service costs, improved market access and enhanced last -mile delivery capabilities, contributing to job creation and economic development across Nigeria”, Odeyemi added

According to her, NIPOST has also consolidated on its partnership with the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) for the implementation of transportation of biological samples within the country.

While noting that the project has entered its final stages for launching in Taraba and Abia States with all facilities in place, the Postmaster General explained that the initiative was part of the efforts to strengthen the referral of biological specimens in the country using National Integrated Sample Referral Network (NiSRN) approach by leveraging on the expertise of NIPOST effective delivery network.

She hinted that the National Addressing System (NAS) was being developed as a strategic infrastructure for national development in collaboration with the National Population Commission (NPoPC) and other partners.

Odeyemi maintained that the NAS would help facilitate mail handling, identify precise locations, ensure consistency in address related database and enable efficiency services in government agencies, financial institutions and businesses in a consistent manner.

 

Olusola Akintonde

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