Business experts have praised the Federal Government’s recent announcement of a 15% logistics discount for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), calling it a positive step toward supporting the sector.
In separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Lagos, Mr. Nerus Ekezie, former Director of the National Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME), welcomed the initiative but expressed some reservations.
“This reduction is a common practice in advanced economies where postal services offer discounts to help SMEs grow. However, I remain indifferent to the new policy due to the weak institutions in place to implement it effectively,” Ekezie stated.
He urged the government to increase investment in the Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) to modernize operations and enhance infrastructure in strategic locations, which would improve efficiency and foster inclusive economic growth.
Dr. Muda Yusuf, CEO of the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE), also praised the move, noting that it would ease the burden on SMEs that have struggled over the past two years.
“The shocks faced by the SME sector in recent years have been significant, with many businesses shutting down. This discount will provide much-needed relief,” said Yusuf, adding that despite the challenges within the postal service, businesses should remain hopeful.
Prof. Bright Eregha, a Macroeconomics professor at Pan-Atlantic University’s School of Management and Social Sciences, described the policy as both innovative and commendable.
“This initiative will help reduce transportation costs, lower overheads for businesses, and contribute to overall economic growth,” Eregha said.
The Federal Government, through the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency (SMEDAN), introduced the 15% logistics discount in partnership with NIPOST. The initiative aims to assist SMEs by reducing transportation costs, improving business operations, boosting sales, and cutting operational expenses.
