The Courier service sector will in no distant time witness a massive reform as the National Assembly is set to pass the Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) Bill.
NIPOST, which is a government owned corporation responsible for providing postal service in the country has been acting as both operator and regulator, a situation that has hampered the growth of the sector.
“I am happy to report that the National Assembly is about to pass the NIPOST Bill which sets out to separate hitherto had been the dual function of NIPOST as regulator and operator in the Courier Service Sector,” Minister of Communications, Barrister Abdu-Rheem Adebayo Shittu said.
The Minister disclosed this while delivering his keynote speech at the Investiture organized by Courier and Logistics Management Institute (CLMI) in Lagos.
Barrister Shittu is optimistic that the proposed Bill will pave way for efficient regulation and efficient service delivery by the ever Courier operator in the country.
“When the Bill is passed into law, NIPOST will concentrate on is functions as an operator in the Nigeria’s postal system, hence the need for the reforms so that it can make its pitch for a share of the deregulated Courier and Logistics.
Seemingly commendable, NIPOST has found technology to be an enabler to its delivery services in Nigeria. The postal reform which hinges on technology has given a face lift to the postal system service.
In view of this, the Minister noted that “one of the salient characteristics of leveraging ICT is that it enhances participation and inclusiveness.”
Barrister Shittu urged organizers of the event and Nigerians to see themselves as stakeholders by joining hands with the Federal Ministry of Communications to fully participate in re-evaluating, redesigning and reformulating the ICT and Telecommunications industry.
“This is because the government cannot do it alone. With the steadfast support and productive partnership of industry stakeholders, I am confident that we are well on our way towards actualizing our set objectives of taping our limitless potentials for national growth and development
He said that the Ministry’s current focus has yielded significant dividends, noting that the ICT sector is growing fast and contributing to the nations GDP in a most admirable way.
“In terms of connectivity, we have achieved remarkable progress in facilitating increased access to ICT. In the area of IT in Government, records show that the number of Government services delivered online has increased tremendously.
The Ministry will continue to provide conducive environment that ensure the safety efficient utilization of ICT products and services and the nurturing of a thriving ecosystem that support innovation.
The Ministry will also engender policy consistency and predicable forward looking policies and programs to assist all stakeholders to efficiently and effectively pursue their developmental goals.”
