ALLAYING fears that the emergence of information and communication technology might have “killed” the Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST), its Area Manager, Lagos Mainland Territory, Mr Yahaya Rufa’i, has said that it is alive with improved services.
He spoke at this year’s World Post Day celebration held at the NIPOST, Ikeja, where the organisation’s officials interacted with customers and other stakeholders on its new initiatives and customers’ challenges.
Speaking on the theme of the celebration, “The Post, delivering for people and businesses daily,” Rufa’i said: “The emergence of new information and communication technology has gone a long way to enhance postal services rather than the erroneous thinking that it would “kill” the Post.
“Today, some products which combine electronic and hard copy are provided, while technology is adapted to postal operations which has made it easy for the Post to provide e-based services as well as to track and trace parcels and registered mails. The development has enabled the Post to introduce new electronic services such as postal financial service (Postcash); e-wallet and online registration of driver’s licence among others. Other e-services will soon follow.”
To ensure security of postal items, he said measures had been put in place to checkmate fraudsters who claim other people’s items through impersonation.
He added that NIPOST was already working with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and other such agencies to ensure that its facilities are not used to perpetrate criminal activities on an internet site known as Yahoo.
Rufa’i lamented subscribers’ indebtedness to the organisation in his district, saying: “It is disheartening to note that a lot of subscribers for Post Office Boxes and Private Mail Bags are indebted to NIPOST. In Lagos Mainland Territory, about N200 million is being owed by government agencies, companies and private subscribers. This money, if available, would go a long way in helping us upgrade our facilities and expand our services to developing area in the state.”
