NIPOST Celebrates 150 Years of Global Postal Service: A Legacy of Innovation and Progress on World Post Day
By Gloria Sarauniya Usman
ABUJA, NIGERIA October,2024 -
The Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) has joined 192 other countries in celebrating the 150th anniversary of the Universal Postal Union (UPU), founded on October 9, 1874. The UPU has played a pivotal role in facilitating global communication, contributing to socio-economic development worldwide through the postal system.
Postmaster General of NIPOST, Tola Odeyemi, expressed appreciation for the continued public trust in the postal service and reaffirmed NIPOST’s commitment to building a more connected future. He emphasized that under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the focus is on modernizing the postal system to stay competitive both locally and internationally.
World Post Day serves as an opportunity for postal services to highlight their essential role in connecting people, businesses, and governments. The Post has evolved into a vital means of communication, facilitating efficient, reliable, and affordable exchanges across borders. It remains an indispensable part of economic and social progress, fostering global connectivity.
This year’s theme, “150 Years of Enabling Communication and Empowering Peoples Across Nations,” reflects the lasting impact of the postal system as a driving force for global understanding and progress. Postal workers, the backbone of this communication network, are recognized for their dedication in overcoming various challenges to ensure the delivery of mail and essential services.
Today, Post Offices have transformed from mere centers of letter-sending to hubs of community connection, offering express delivery, e-commerce, financial services, and logistics support. The adaptability of the postal industry is evident in its ability to embrace technological advancements while staying true to its core mission of bridging gaps between communities.
In celebration of this historic milestone, NIPOST will join other UPU member nations in issuing a commemorative postage stamp, valued at N250, featuring the logo for the 2023 World Post Day and themed "Post for Planet."
NIPOST’s commitment to growth is further demonstrated through its partnership with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), providing a 15% reduction in courier service costs for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). This initiative improves market access, enhances last-mile delivery, and promotes job creation and economic growth.
Additionally, NIPOST has strengthened its collaboration with the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) to facilitate the nationwide transport of biological samples. The project, now in its final stages in Taraba and Abia States, aims to bolster the National Integrated Sample Referral Network (NiSRN) and ensure the efficient delivery of health services.
As part of its modernization efforts, NIPOST is also working with the National Population Commission (NPoPC) to develop a National Addressing System. This initiative is set to enhance mail handling, improve service delivery, and ensure accurate location identification for businesses, government agencies, and financial institutions.
To mark World Post Day, NIPOST will also launch its new Agency Banking Solution, POSTMONI, an electronic money order service aimed at providing accessible and affordable financial services nationwide. This innovation aligns with NIPOST’s goal to support Nigeria’s financial inclusion objectives.
NIPOST offices across the country will host roadshows and activities to promote the importance of the postal system, its innovations, and its critical role in Nigeria’s socio-economic development.
Comments