The Federal Government of Nigeria has ordered the Nigerian Postal Services (NIPOST) to suspend the new tariff on registration of courier services in the country.
The Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) recently announced new fees for courier and logistic business operators in Nigeria, provoking anger amongst Nigerians on social media. NIPOST increased the new license fees for Municipal operators to N1 million, and annual renewals fees to 40% of new license fees at N400,000.00 a year.
State operators’ fees rose to N2 million, regional to N5 million, national to N10 million, while international operators are meant to pay N20 million as license fees. All license renewal fees are pegged at 40% of license fees per zone.
The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, who ordered the suspension on Saturday, said complaints by Nigerians against the hike necessitated the suspension.
Dr Pantami, under whose purview the supervision of NIPOST falls, took to his Twitter handle to reiterate the position of the federal government on the increment.
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He tweeted: “Our attention has been drawn to an increase in licence fees, which was not part of the regulation I earlier approved for you.
“The Chairman of NIPOST and the Post Master General were contacted yesterday to put the implementation on hold and send a report to our Ministry by Monday.”
He further clarified that “the power of regulation of NIPOST lies with the Minister.
“Any change of fees must be approved by him. “I know the economic challenges of NIPOST.
“However, looking at the economic hardship of our citizens, we need to suspend any move.”
2) @NipostNgn, d power of regulation of NIPOST lies with the Minister. Any change of fee must be specific & be approved by him before implementation. I know the economic challenges of NIPOST. However, looking at the economic hardship of our citizens, we need to suspend any move — Isa Ali Pantami, PhD (@DrIsaPantami) July 25, 2020 NIPOST’s proposed increase as announced, has generated huge outrage in the public, especialy in the social media.
The new charges introduced by NIPOST are expected to cause an increase in the cost of courier services and delivery goods.
According to NIPOST, companies which provide international courier services like DHL, UPS and FEDEX, are expected to pay N20m for a new licence and N8m annually while those who offer national services are expected to pay N10m for licence and N4m yearly for renewal.