Courier services in Nigeria to get independent regulator, the Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) has said.
NIPOST is the government agency that licenses, regulates and monitors courier and logistics services providers.
NIPOST General Manager, Corporate Communications, Franklin Alao, made this known in a statement.
According to the statement, the current regulations will not allow for exploitation.
Denying allegations of extortion, the spokesman confirmed that due to agitations for a separate regulator to provide level-playing ground for operators, the government has set machinery in motion.
He said on May 24, 2021, a public hearing was held by the Senate Committee on Communications to perfect the Postal Bill and move for a self-standing regulator.
Alao recalled that after engagement with stakeholders in December 2020 and March 2021, the Minister of Communications, Isa Pantami approved the reviewed Courier and Logistics (Regulations) Operations 2020.
“It must be pointed out that the last review was done in 2001 (19 years ago). The aim of the 2020 regulation document is to create a conducive environment for local and foreign investment,” he said.
“Enable ease of doing legitimate courier and logistics business in Nigeria; give youth empowerment a deliberate attention through the MSME businesses; engender trust, integrity, quality service and safety of goods.”