Mr Adebayo Shittu, Minister of Communications, has charged the newly appointed Postmaster-General to restore public confidence in the postal system by re-organising the agency into a customer focused and profitable enterprise.
Shittu said at the inauguration of the New Postmaster-General of the Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) at its Corporate Headquarters on Friday in Abuja.
According to the minister, NIPOST is faced with a myriad of challenges which include inefficient management structure, low level of investment, obsolete infrastructure and facilities.
He listed other challenges as poorly motivated workforce particularly, unredeemed pension payments and occasional loss and violation of mail items amongst others.
“These foregoing challenges, therefore, make reform urgent and inevitable to deliver on our promises for a new and efficient NIPOST in order to restore public confidence in the country’s postal system.
“You must as a matter of priority, engage the business community to seek out business-business and business-to-consumer options.
“The EMS subsidiary has to be reorganised and you should also consider partnership with international courier companies for their last mile delivery services.’’ Shittu said.
Speaking further on the rejuvenation of NIPOST, the minister charged the new NIPOST boss to assist in the development of Small and Medium Enterprise especially those requiring a third party distribution services for their products and services.
Shittu said the geographical spread of NIPOST gave it an advantage in providing banking services to the rural dwellers.
He said that the financial inclusion services were needed by the people who live in rural areas and urge NIPOST to collaborate with private investors who possess the competence and technology to make this dream possible.
Shittu also called on the chief executive to look into the welfare of staff and present a workable recommendation for approval saying that motivated staff would definitely be productive.
Earlier, Mr. Bisi Adegbuyi, the new postmaster-general, assured the minister that he travel to nooks and crannies of the country to market postal services.
“Having interacted with my colleagues, I have all the assurances that together we will bring into the fore our nation’s progress, socio-economic development and cultural promotion.
“Though the challenges are enormous, nevertheless with the assurance given and the level of co-operation I have been receiving from my colleagues since assumption of duty, they are surmountable
“It is therefore pertinent to mention that the economic base of the industry could be improved.
“ If further impetus is given to the implementation of the stamp duty Acts while the grey area stalling its implementation is speedily resolved.
Adegbuyi also appealed for the fast-tracking of the passing of the Postal Bills and the implementation of the National Addressing System