The Federal Government has approved rule making process and new regulations for the Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST).
The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Pantami made this known at a stakeholders’ meeting to review the rule making process and new regulations in Abuja.
The meeting which was chaired by the minister had in attendance the chair, Senate Committee on Telecommunications (represented by the vice chair), the chair, House Committee on Telecommunications, the chairman of NIPOST, the postmaster- general of NIPOST, the director-general of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), the director-general of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), the managing director of Galaxy Backbone Ltd, the director-general of the National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP) and the director-general of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN).
Others included the representatives of the inspector-general of police, comptroller-general of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) and comptroller-general of Nigeria Customs Service, the Association of Nigeria Courier Operators (ANCO), Nigeria International Air Courier Association (NIACA), Mail Route Partners, and operators such as UPS, Fedex, Courier Plus Services, RedStar and DHL. Wider stakeholder engagement was also conducted as the regulations were being developed.
A statement by the minister’s technical assistant (Information Technology), Dr Femi Adeluyi, said a vibrant postal service requires the issuance of regulations, standards and guidelines from time to time to guide actions and provide needed clarity for stakeholders.
“Section 62 of the Nigerian Postal Service Act 1992 empowers the minister in charge of NIPOST to make regulations that give effect to the provisions of the NIPOST Act. We are in the process of separating regulations from operations.
“The rule making process regulation of NIPOST was issued to activate the regulatory function of NIPOST. The document aims at ensuring an inclusive, stakeholder-led process that takes advantage of the diversity and capacity of Nigerians in various walks of life in order to make the most efficient and value-adding decisions that engender sustainable growth in the sector,” the statement pointed out.
It further said the Courier and Logistics Services (Operations) Regulations aimed to provide a regulatory framework for effective and efficient licensing processes, procedures and regulations for the courier and logistics industry in Nigeria.
“The rule making process and regulations will position NIPOST as a key player in the digital economy, in line with the National Digital Economy Policy for a digital Nigeria,” it added.
