The Federal Government has announced a forthcoming 15% reduction in courier service costs** across Nigeria, resulting from a new collaboration between the Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) and the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN). This was revealed by NIPOST’s Postmaster General, Tola Odeyemi, during the World Postal Day celebrations in Abuja.
According to Odeyemi, the cost reduction is set to take effect as the recently signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between NIPOST and SMEDAN starts to deliver benefits. The partnership is designed to assist Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) by offering them more affordable market access and enhancing last-mile delivery services.
“NIPOST and SMEDAN have formalized this partnership to support MSMEs. With its implementation, these businesses can expect a 15% reduction in courier service costs, improved access to markets, and more efficient last-mile delivery services,” Odeyemi said.
In addition to easing courier costs for businesses, the initiative is expected to create jobs and contribute to economic growth across Nigeria.
Additional Partnerships and Initiatives
Odeyemi also highlighted NIPOST’s ongoing collaboration with the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) to transport biological samples across the country. The project, currently in its final stages, aims to enhance the referral system for biological specimens through the National Integrated Sample Referral Network (NiSRN), leveraging NIPOST’s extensive logistics network. Initial launches are planned for Taraba and Abia states.
Furthermore, NIPOST is developing a National Addressing System in cooperation with the National Population Commission (NPoPC) and other partners. This system will improve mail handling, enable precise location identification, and provide consistent address databases. It is expected to benefit government agencies, financial institutions, and businesses by improving operational efficiency.
Promoting Financial Inclusion
As part of the World Postal Day celebrations, NIPOST unveiled its Agency Banking Solution, POTMONI, designed to offer accessible and affordable financial services to Nigerians. This initiative is aimed at promoting **financial inclusion, especially in underserved communities, by connecting more Nigerians to banking services.
To commemorate World Postal Day, NIPOST’s state offices are organizing roadshows and activities nationwide to showcase the innovations and contributions of the postal service to Nigeria’s socio-economic development. “Our goal remains the same: to showcase the innovations, vision, and significant role NIPOST plays as a catalyst in Nigeria’s growth,” Odeyemi concluded.
