Postmaster-General of the Federation, Ms Tola Odeyemi, emphasizes Nigeria’s push to revamp and upgrade logistics and courier processes to world-class standards for improved international mail exchange.

Odeyemi made this known at the Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC) event, “NBCC meets Postmaster General” on Thursday in Lagos.

BRANDPOWER reports that the theme of the event is: “Repositioning Nigeria’s Logistics and Courier Service Sector for Sustainable Growth”.

The Postmaster General stated that the Federal Government was committed to making the Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) an affordable, last mile delivery hub solution for goods and services.

She, however, noted that challenges such as poor road networks, inadequate warehousing facilities, vandalism, thievery and infrastructural deficiencies hindered the full potential of the logistics and courier sector.

Odeyemi said that a constant and strategic upgrade of regional infrastructure was important to maintain a competitive logistics and courier ecosystem.

She revealed that some successes were recorded since she assumed office such as the optimisation of logistic network, slight, affordable review of prices, clearance of backlog of postage.

She added that NIPOST retrained its staff on customer service as a customer centric agency, imputed technology into its service, and collaborated with other agencies and organisations to improve its reach.

“NIPOST is not competing with private players but is there to complement their efforts as the last mile solution on delivery.

“We recently collaborated with Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) to provide special rates for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

“There is also the pilot partnership with the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) in Taraba and Abia states for bio-specimen collection thereby building the nation’s health.

“There is also work ongoing on the Postal Reform Bill to separate the regulatory arm from the operation arm as many stakeholders are clamouring.

“By 2027, NIPOST is modernising 50 per cent of its 1,400 office locations and we are open to working with partners to advance the country’s logistics ecosystem.

“Let us work together to build a logistics sector that is efficient, reliable, secure, viable, innovative, and trusted, serving the needs of business and contributing to the inclusive growth of the nation’s economy,” she said.

Mr Ray Atelly, the President of NBCC, stressed the need to explore the transformative potential of Nigeria’s logistics and courier services; a sector pivotal to Nigeria’s economic development and global integration.

He noted that logistics and courier services were the backbone of any thriving economy, as they facilitate trade, connect markets, and ensure the seamless movement of goods and services.

Atelly stated that in Nigeria, the sector held immense potential to drive sustainable growth, enhance competitiveness, and improve the quality of life for citizens.

“However, to unlock this potential, we must address the challenges that have historically hindered the sector’s development.

“These include inadequate infrastructure, regulatory bottlenecks, security concerns, and the need for technological innovation.

“By tackling these issues head-on, we can create a logistics and courier service sector that is efficient, resilient, and capable of supporting Nigeria’s economic ambitions,” he said.

Atelly added that opportunities for growth in the sector were vast with Nigeria’s strategic position as a gateway to West Africa and its potential to become a regional logistics hub.

He said by investing in modern infrastructure, leveraging digital technologies, and fostering a conducive regulatory environment, the country could attract investments, create jobs, and boost trade.

“Moreover, the rise of e-commerce presents a unique opportunity to revolutionise our courier services.

“By developing a robust logistics network, we can support the growth of e-commerce and ensure that businesses and consumers alike benefit from timely and secure deliveries.

“Achieving sustainable growth in our logistics and courier service sector requires collaboration and innovation so it is essential that the public and private sectors work together to create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.

“The NBCC is committed to playing a proactive role in this regard and we will continue to advocate policies that promote the development of the logistics sector, facilitate dialogue between stakeholders, and support initiatives that drive innovation and efficiency,” he said.

Comptroller General, Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adeniyi, said the service would continue to enhance security in the movement of goods and services across the borders.

He said while ensuring that the necessary security checks were carried out, the service would also facilitate compliant trade and movement of goods and services in and out of the country.

Adeniyi stated the readiness of NCS  to work with NIPOST to support speedy clearance of goods and services.