Some unlicensed logistic companies were shut down in Edo state over the weekend.
According to reports, the Nigeria Postal Service (NIPOST) shut down no fewer than five ‘illegal’ courier and logistics companies.
NIPOST General Manager, Courier, Logistic and Regulatory Department, Shonde Gideon, confirmed this while addressing newsmen. He said the companies were sealed because they were not registered and licensed for operation.
He declared that “it is a crime against Edo State to operate in a space that is regulated without registration and a license.”
According to him, NIPOST decided to carry out a sanitisation exercise of the postal market space.
The agency also impounded eight courier and logistics delivery motorcycles in the course of the exercise.
This he said, is because the agency is very serious about getting rid of quacks and those operating unprofessionally.
“The industry has been infiltrated by many unlicensed and illegal operators who engage in all kinds of nefarious and unethical activities,” Gideon said.
“The exercise is to sanitize the postal market and ensure that any private investors into postal, courier and logistic business obtain a license from the Federal Government (FG),” he added.
The NIPOST boss further explained that the latest clampdown is in line with statutory provisions.
He highlighted Section 43(1)(2) and (3), NIPOST ACT, Cap127, LFN 2004, and Regulatory Operational Guide 2023.
To operate in line with the provision of the NIPOST Act, companies must obtain a grant of license from the POSTMASTER General/CEO of the federation.
The NIPOST boss expressed his assurance of the effect of the excercise.
“This operation will create a conducive environment for all players in the sector” he assured.
It will also give a level-play field and ensure that people comply with the law of the land.
“It is not about revenue but sanity,” he concluded.
