The Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) is exploring a partnership with the Federal Ministry of Interior to utilise its facilities for the delivery of international passports and other essential documents.
Miss Tola Odeyemi, the Postmaster General of the Federation and CEO of NIPOST, made this proposal during a courtesy visit to the Minister of Interior, Rt. Honourable Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, at the Ministry of Interior headquarters in Abuja.
NIPOST, in a statement on its official page, indicated that the collaboration aims to enhance inter-agency cooperation by making use of NIPOST’s extensive network for e-fulfillment services in Nigeria. This potential partnership aligns with the aspirations of Nigerians who have been calling for the effective utilisation of NIPOST’s facilities.
Odeyemi’s visit had a three-point agenda, as stated by NIPOST. These points encompass the delivery of critical documents such as international passports, the provision of backend services for passport processing using selected NIPOST locations, and the use of NIPOST for Address Verification System (AVS).
The statement further explained that the NIPOST’s role in enhancing security is crucial to the nation’s development and its aspirations for digital economic growth.
In response, the Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, congratulated the Postmaster General on her appointment and expressed confidence in her ability to lead the organisation to greater heights. He pledged his support for the collaboration with NIPOST and reiterated his commitment to productive strategic partnerships.
Prior to Odeyemi’s appointment, Nigerians had shared their expectations for a reformed NIPOST under the leadership of the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani. These expectations included NIPOST functioning as a powerhouse to drive e-commerce growth, akin to the Nigerian Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS).
Public expectations being met
This initiative, therefore aligns with the public’s expectations for NIPOST to evolve into a more dynamic and versatile entity that can contribute to the nation’s development. The move towards inter-agency collaboration is a positive development, as it capitalises on NIPOST’s extensive network, which can be a valuable asset for e-fulfillment services.
Furthermore, the three-point agenda presented by the Postmaster General of the Federation reflects a strategic approach to addressing key areas of concern. By focusing on the delivery of critical documents, providing backend services, and incorporating an Address Verification System (AVS), the government is taking steps to enhance security, which is essential for the nation’s growth in the digital economy.
Ms Tola Odeyemi had assumed office after a period of controversy as there were some protests by members of staff of the government agency who threw their weight behind the former PMG, Sunday Adepoju. The protest by the workers was due to the confusion caused by President Bola Tinubu who reinstated the sacked Postmaster General, Mr Adepoju a day after he appointed Ms Odeyemi.
She has, however, expressed her vision to leverage technology and efficiency to advance NIPOST both locally and globally. One of her objectives is to elevate the postal organisation into a global e-commerce and logistics powerhouse.
“I came to build on the commendable work of my predecessors, my aspirations are not only to solidify NIPOST’s status as a leading Postal Operator. As I assume this role, I also want to make NIPOST a world-class e-commerce and logistics hub.” said Odeyemi while addressing NIPOST’s management staff,
