The Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) has reaffirmed its commitment to partnering with the Ministry of Communications, Technology, and Innovation of Sierra Leone in its bid to bolster service delivery and enhance socio-economic development.
The initiative, aligned with the Federal Government’s policy directives, underscores NIPOST’s determination to leverage technology for transformative outcomes.
During a working visit by Salima Bah, Sierra Leone’s Minister of Communications, Technology, and Innovation, to Abuja, Ms. Tola Odeyemi, the Postmaster-General and Chief Executive Officer of NIPOST, emphasized the pivotal role of the postal sector in facilitating communication, trade, and financial services within and across nations.
Odeyemi highlighted the collaborative effort as a pathway towards a comprehensive postal sector transformation strategy for both nations. She underscored NIPOST’s commitment to fostering beneficial partnerships to effectively implement government policies, particularly under the present administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“NIPOST’s business model is anchored on strategic partnerships and innovative technology to propel trade and market development,” stated Odeyemi, citing the Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy’s digital transformation policies, spearheaded by Dr. Bosun Tijani, as integral to this endeavour.
Recognizing the evolving business landscape, Odeyemi emphasized the need for NIPOST to adapt to changing dynamics. The collaboration aims to explore avenues for providing financial services through the postal network, including mobile banking, remittances, and microfinance while bolstering infrastructure to meet contemporary demands.
Bah, in response, commended the Federal Government’s commitment to digital transformation within the postal ecosystem. She acknowledged the challenges faced by the postal sector, including declining mail volumes and increased competition from electronic communication channels, emphasizing the imperative of strategic partnerships to drive innovation and technology adoption.
Highlighting the partnership’s objectives, Bah stressed the significance of leveraging technology and innovation to create a conducive tech ecosystem for transformation.
She emphasized the collaboration’s focus on upgrading and expanding postal infrastructure, including offices, sorting centres, and delivery networks, to facilitate e-commerce and enhance last-mile delivery capabilities, fostering cross-border trade between the two countries.
The collaboration between NIPOST and Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Communications, Technology, and Innovation signifies a concerted effort to harness technology for the advancement of postal services and economic growth, marking a significant step towards enhancing service delivery and fostering regional integration.NAN
