NIPOST reactivates Super Agent and International Money Transfer Operator (IMTO) licenses
The Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) is redefining its purpose and service delivery in the digital age, as it resumes full-scale financial operations, rolls out inclusive digital platforms, and deepens partnerships across government and private sectors. With its Super Agent and International Money Transfer Operator (IMTO) licenses now reactivated, NIPOST is positioning itself not just as a mail handler, but as a one-stop hub for financial services, e-commerce logistics, and government integration—especially in underserved communities.
According to Postmaster General Tola Odeyemi, who spoke during a recent Channels TV interview monitored by Innovation Village, NIPOST is back in the business of money transfer and agent banking, after nearly eight years of dormancy. The IMTO license, which had been suspended due to compliance issues, is now active again following the payment of outstanding fines.
“We’ve reactivated both our IMTO and Super Agent licenses. This allows us to participate in global remittances—leveraging not just Nigeria’s financial system, but also the Universal Postal Union network that connects postal services around the world,” Odeyemi explained.
Related Story: How NIPOST Is Reinventing Itself with Cashless Operations and Performance-Driven Reforms
Expanding Remittance Channels Across Africa
One of NIPOST’s key remittance strategies is improving regional money transfer flows. Despite technological advancements, transferring funds within Africa remains cumbersome and costly.
“Sending money from Cameroon to Nigeria is often harder than from the U.S. to Nigeria,” Odeyemi said. “So, we’ve already signed bilateral agreements with Togo and Benin, and we’re finalizing a multilateral agreement that could open up remittances globally.”
This regional focus aligns with NIPOST’s Pan-African mission to reduce reliance on informal channels and create a more inclusive, affordable remittance corridor.
PostMoni and Financial Inclusion at the Grassroots
NIPOST’s flagship financial service product, PostMoni, is also undergoing a major revamp. Initially piloted in 100 locations, PostMoni is now entering version two (V2), with a goal to roll out across 12,000 post office branches nationwide by the end of the year.
PostMoni enables:
- Cash-in/cash-out services
- Utility bill payments
- Local and international remittances
- Mobile and agent-based banking functions
“We’ve tested it personally, improved the user experience, and are ready to scale PostMoni to become the financial touchpoint for millions of Nigerians,” she noted.
A Hub for Government Services
Odeyemi emphasized that NIPOST aims to be the front-facing partner for public service delivery at the community level. Currently, the agency is collaborating with:
- NIMC for National Identification Number (NIN) registration
- SMEDAN for SME support access
- NIBSS for BVN registration
- NASRDA for address digitization
“Instead of traveling for hours to access a state capital, citizens should be able to complete essential registrations or access intervention funds from their local post office,” she stressed.
Reinventing the Post Office for the Digital Economy
With over 60% of its branches located in underserved and rural communities, NIPOST is uniquely positioned to bridge the urban-rural service divide. Odeyemi said the organization is being repositioned to serve as a backbone for Nigeria’s digital economy through:
- Digital counter services
- Logistics for e-commerce and local trade
- Addressing infrastructure for security and planning
She also called for the official designation of NIPOST’s network as “critical national infrastructure”, highlighting the strategic value of its widespread physical footprint.
Revenue Milestones and Future Targets
In 2023, NIPOST surpassed the ₦10 billion revenue mark—a major milestone achieved through operational efficiencies and plugging revenue leakages.
“₦10 billion is just a scratch. As we scale PostMoni, digitize services, and integrate more with government systems, we expect significantly higher revenues,” Odeyemi asserted.
A Vision of Trust, Accessibility, and Impact
Odeyemi concluded with a bold vision for NIPOST over the next decade:
“I want NIPOST to be an institution of national pride—trusted, reliable, and essential. We’re not just rebuilding services; we’re rebuilding trust.”
She acknowledged that while trust takes time to earn and can be lost in seconds, NIPOST is taking the long-term view, making continuous improvements and inviting Nigerians to “flock back” to the service.
As it stands today, NIPOST is no longer just a mail carrier—it’s shaping up to be Nigeria’s last-mile gateway to financial inclusion, digital commerce, and public service delivery.
