NIPOST witnessing digital, operational facelift — Adewusi
By Ogaga Ariemu
The Postmaster General (PMG) Nigerian Postal Services (NIPOST), Dr. Ismail Adewusi has said that the organisation has undergone digital and general transformations in recent times.
The PMG stated this on Wednesday in Abuja during a session with journalists.
Adewusi said, under his supervision NIPOST has undergone a digital and operational facelift which has positioned the outfit to be able to measure up to global standards.
According to him, NIPOST established its first digital center in Enugu state last year, which includes a computer-based training test (CBT) center, and other online transaction platforms.
He stated that NIPOST also situated a scanning machine at the NIPOST International Mail Processing Center in Lagos.
In his word, “Other notable partnerships include that of National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) for effective postal delivery, then the NDLEA to further our role in regulating the courier and logistics ecosystem.
“NIPOST also signed an agreement with the West African Examination Council (WAEC) to deliver certificates in Nigeria to private candidates and with the e-GATE of Egypt on digital transformation,” he said.
Listing a number of notable partnerships, Adewusi said the African Development Bank (AfDB) partnered with NIPOST over its agricultural programme with a view to using its facilities for storage of products.
Adewusi said conscious steps were being taken by the agency to reposition it in line with the best global standards and operate by globally acceptable practices.
“We are backing the digital economy policy of the Federal Government because the world has gone digital too.
“No nation or institution should be left behind, NIPOST operations cannot be left behind as it has to be upgraded and level up to deliver world-class postal services.”
The PMG said the pandemic almost stalled the reform packages he came to NIPOST with but he was able to leverage on available opportunities and explore a world of new possibilities.
“Rather than slow down activities, the pandemic helped hastened the process of digitalization of the agency’s processes,” he said.
According to him, in the last two years, some Post office outlets have been transformed into smart post offices and these include Eruwa, Awe, Omu-Aran, Gombe, Oshogbo, Ogbomoso, Ado Ekiti, Enugu Post offices.
He added that automating postal services is necessary; “we would come up with new products because diversification of services is very much needed in the area of financial payments and last mile deliveries.”
The NIPOST boss also stated that the postal outfit operated an open, inclusive and non discriminatory work policy where everyone is encouraged to work in achieving best results.
“I am also proud to state that NIPOST operates a non-discriminatory, and diversity friendly work policy where everyone gives in their best so we can achieve our mandate.
“The strength of my success in the last two years also lies in operating and providing an inclusive, gender balanced and friendly environment for all our staff, clients, partners and vendors.
“For a service delivery outfit such as ours, we embrace and operate a workforce irrespective of colour, origin, religion, ethnicity or disability. We are also equally gender sensitive, everyone is respected and valued,” he said.
