Nigeria’s Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved the implementation of a Geographic Information System (GIS)-enabled alphanumeric digital postcode system aimed at modernising the country’s national addressing framework.

The development was disclosed on Tuesday by the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, in a post shared on X.

According to Tijani, the approval was granted under the leadership of Bola Ahmed Tinubu as part of efforts to achieve targets outlined in the ministry’s strategic blueprint for strengthening Nigeria’s digital economy.

The minister explained that the new system would be developed in collaboration with the Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST), working closely with the agency’s Postmaster General, Tola Odeyemi, and her team.

He said the country would introduce a modern, geospatially intelligent addressing system designed to improve location accuracy nationwide and enable faster, more reliable mail and parcel processing.

“Beyond strengthening postal operations, the Digital Postcode System will also serve as an important national enabler supporting better national planning, improved emergency response, more efficient logistics and e-commerce, and the delivery of government services,” Tijani stated.

He added that foundational infrastructure such as a digital addressing framework is critical as Nigeria’s digital economy continues to expand, helping to connect citizens, businesses, and public services more efficiently across the country.

Tijani described the council’s approval as another step toward building an enabling environment for a modern, inclusive, and globally competitive digital economy.

Nigeria currently operates a standard numeric postal code system, such as “100001 – Lagos Island,” where regions, districts, and delivery areas are identified by six-digit codes mainly used for sorting and routing mail. The system, managed by NIPOST, has existed for decades to support basic mail delivery nationwide.

However, the traditional system has faced several limitations. Many locations across the country still lack clearly defined street names or house numbers, and a significant number of addresses cannot be reliably located on digital maps. These gaps have made efficient mail delivery and logistics more challenging, particularly in informal settlements and rapidly expanding urban areas.

The new GIS-enabled alphanumeric postcode system is expected to address these issues by assigning each property a precise digital location. Experts say this will improve the efficiency of mail delivery and logistics while also supporting digital services such as e-commerce platforms and ride-hailing applications that depend on accurate geospatial data.

As Nigeria’s digital economy grows rapidly, the need for reliable location-based data has become increasingly important for businesses and public services.

In recent years, NIPOST has also intensified efforts to transform into a more digital and revenue-driven institution. The agency began plans last year to expand financial services nationwide by leveraging renewed International Money Transfer Operator (IMTO) and Super Agent licences that had remained inactive for nearly eight years, enabling cross-border remittances and strengthening financial inclusion.

To modernise its operations, NIPOST also partnered with technology firms to introduce a digital payment solution for inbound parcels. The platform integrates customs payments, real-time tracking, and door-to-door delivery, addressing long-standing customer complaints over hidden fees and inefficient processes while improving trust in cross-border e-commerce services.

The agency has further updated its international parcel services, requiring a prepaid customs duty of $80 or its naira equivalent for shipments destined for the United States.

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A wave of enthusiasm has swept through Nigerian social media as calls mount for Dr. Bosun Tijani, the Minister of Communication, Innovation, and Digital Economy, to spearhead the rejuvenation of the Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) in a bid to bolster the nation’s development.

Dr. BosunTijani initiated the conversation on the X platform, seeking input from Nigerians on their vision for an upgraded NIPOST. He emphasized the need for NIPOST, boasting over 1,180 post office outlets and 3,000 agencies, to play a pivotal role in Nigeria’s burgeoning digital economy.

He stated, “In our pursuit of a more robust digital economy, we cannot underestimate the significance of NIPOST.

“I invite you to share your aspirations for an ideal NIPOST in the comments.”

This post ignited a flurry of diverse perspectives and opinions as Nigerians shared their ideas for an improved NIPOST serving Nigeria.

Iyinoluwa Aboyeji, CEO of Future Africa, envisioned an NIPOST akin to the National Interbank Settlement System (NIBSS) but for logistics.

He advocated for NIPOST to become the backbone infrastructure for licensed courier companies, driving commerce and trade across the nation.

Jimoh Haadi Oluwaseyi, an X user, elucidated the reasons why NIPOST should receive heightened attention:

Last-Mile Delivery: Post offices perform an invaluable role in delivering physical goods, especially in remote areas with limited digital access.

They bridge the gap between the digital and physical realms, ensuring that parcels, documents, and important mail reach their intended recipients.

E-commerce Support: Despite the rise of online shopping, many e-commerce transactions rely on physical shipping and returns. Post offices offer essential services like tracking, secure delivery, and return logistics, facilitating the smooth operation of e-commerce platforms.

Financial Services: Post offices often provide banking and financial services, including money transfers, bill payments, and savings accounts.

These services cater to individuals without access to traditional banks or those preferring face-to-face financial interactions.

Identity Verification: Post offices are trusted entities for identity verification and address confirmation, a crucial aspect of online transactions and services.

They can play a pivotal role in providing reliable verification services.

Bridging the Digital Divide: Despite digital advancements, segments of the population still lack internet access or digital devices.

Post offices act as intermediaries by offering public access to computers, internet services, and assistance with online transactions, thereby reducing the digital divide.

In summary, post offices continue to be pivotal in supporting the digital economy, facilitating last-mile delivery, e-commerce, financial services, identity verification, and bridging the digital gap.

Calls for NIPOST’s overhaul grew louder as users like Modupe Okeowo shared experiences highlighting the need for modernization, such as the absence of POS payment options at post offices.

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TECHDIGEST- The Universal Postal Union’s (UPU) operational readiness for e-commerce has been made public by the Federal Government, which will help the postal industry in Africa run more smoothly.

On Tuesday in Abuja, the Universal Postal Union (UPU) announced its operational readiness for the e-commerce (ORE-3)- Startup Project workshop for the Africa area. The announcement was made by Prof. Isa Pantami, Minister of Communications & Digital Economy.

Pantami, who was represented by Mr. Mainasara Abubakar of the Nigerian Postal Services (NIPOST), said the training was required because the conventional postal business is changing so quickly.

READALSO: NIMC: NIN Mandatory to Access all Government Services

“The advent of the digital economy and the navigation of consumers’ demand among multiple communication channels are key factors changing the way Postal business is conducted. These, therefore, make innovation a critically important option for business survival and prosperity,” he said.

According to him, digitization has given the postal service sector, a crucial component of infrastructure, a broader dimension. He contends that the post may make a considerable contribution to social and economic advancement, the creation of jobs, and the alleviation of poverty provided that postal reforms implemented by governments are founded on sound financial analysis.

The training was arranged, according to Rt Hon Adepoju Sunday, CEO of NIPOST and Postmaster General of the Federation, to ensure that the African postal administration can compete with other postal organisations around the world. Sunday also expressed appreciation for the help in hosting the training that NIPOST received from the UPU and Pan African Postal Union (PAPU).

According to him: “This workshop evaluates the operational readiness for e-commerce 3 and remuneration by African postal administrations. And to establish the need to take decisions and make policies that will accelerate positive reforms towards ital readiness for e-commerce.” He also said digitalization is changing supply chains and how customers buy online.

“These innovations are fostering considerable changes in posts’ strategic objectives by requiring them to reevaluate their predictability, transparency, security, and efficiency to meet new customer requirements,” he said.

The representative of the DG of UPU, Mr Amadou Amadou said the workshop was borne out of the successful implementation of past regional operational efficiency and e-commerce projects 1 and 2. He said the UPU will implement the operational efficiency and e-commerce project 3 during 2022 – 2025.

“The project aims to assist postal formations in modernizing their operational processes and using available IT standardized tools and last-mile delivery systems to implement functional solutions that meet regulatory and operational requirements.

“In this context, the UPU International Bureau has developed capacity building and technical assistance projects to coordinate and improve the digital capacity and capability of the post. The integrated approach of these projects aims to help postal administrations modernize digital tools and implement digital solutions, which meet e-commerce requirements,” he said.

According to him, successful implementation of the project will contribute to further growth of the e-commerce market by improving their last-mile delivery reliability and providing consumers with increased visibility. “This is achievable through message exchanges and more customer-oriented solutions. The focus of the project will be on improving efficiency and e-commerce development hence the title of the project “Operational Efficiency and E-commerce Development”,” he said.

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TECH DIGEST: Bulus Yakubu has been appointed the acting postmaster general and CEO of the Nigeria Postal Services by Prof. Isa Pantami, minister of communications and the digital economy.

This was said in a statement released on Thursday in Abuja by Franklyn Alao, Director of Corporate Communications at NIPOST.

READ ALSO: 5G To Generate $2.5 Billion As Operator Revenue By 2023

Yakubu held the positions of Director (Special Duties), Director (NIPOST Governing Board Secretary), and NIPOST Liaison Officer to the National Assembly prior to his appointment. Yakubu, who received his bachelor’s degree in law from Ahmadu Bello University, is a member of a number of professional organizations, including the Nigerian Bar Association and the International Bar Association.

A fellow of both the Institute for Fraud Management and Control and the Institute of Corporate Administration of Nigeria, he also has these titles. He began working for the Nigerian Postal Service in 1990, according to the statement, and has held various positions with a track record of exceptional performance.

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By Abbas Badmus

TECHDIGEST – The journey of digital economy started on the 23rd of October, 2019, when President Muhammadu Buhari approved the renaming and expansion of the mandate of Ministry, from the Ministry of Communications to the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, under the supervision of Professor Isah Ali Ibrahim Pantami as Minister.

Since the expansion of the Ministry, Tech Digest reports that a lot of accomplishments and developments have been recorded through its agencies under the Ministry such as NITDA, NCC, NIMC, Galaxy Backbone, NIPOST, e.t.c.

On the 28th of November 2019, the President launched National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy formulated by Pantami. These actions put Nigeria in the right place to harness and exploit the opportunities posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. When COVID-19 hit harder, everything was put on hold aside from the digital space which became the glue of economies.

The Top Ten Accomplishments:

1. Unprecedented 18.44% Highest Ever ICT Contribution to Nigeria’s GDP

The Digital Economy sector under Professor Pantami has continued its trend of playing a key part in the growth on Nigeria’s economy. The report by the NBS indicated that the ICT sector contributed 18.44% to the total real GDP in Q2 2022. This is the highest contribution of ICT to the GDP and is truly unprecedented and marks the third time that the sector has achieved an unprecedented contribution to Nigeria’s GDP during the tenure of the Minister- in Q1 2020, Q2 2021 and now Q2 2022.

2. Formulation of Startup Bill to Address 90% Challenges Confronting Nigerian Innovators

Another accomplishments of Digital economy is the formulation of Nigeria startup bill which was finally passed into law by senate on 20th of July, 2022. The Nigerian Startup Bill (NSB), when it becomes a law, would help address more than 90% challenges confronting technology innovators in the country, Pantami said. The Bill project is a joint initiative by Nigeria’s tech startup ecosystem and the Presidency to harness the potential of our digital economy through co-created regulations. The Bill will ensure that Nigeria’s laws and regulations are clear, planned and work for the tech ecosystem. This, we believe, will contribute to the creation of an enabling environment for growth, attraction and protection of investment in tech startups.

3. Nigeria Data Protection Bureau

Following the approval granted by President Buhari, the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy on the 4th of February 2022 announced the creation of the Nigeria Data Protection Bureau. The Bureau is headed by its first National Commissioner/CEO, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, and is saddled with the responsibility of implementing the Nigerian Data Protection Regulations (NDPR) 2019 and other data privacy matters in Nigeria which were formerly under the purview of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA). The official launch of the Bureau’s logo, website and core values was coordinated on the 5th of April 2022 at the Communications and Digital Economy Complex, Abuja.

4. Establishment of Galaxy Backbone Data Centre in Kano

The Minister of communication and digital economy, Professor Isah Ali Ibrahim Pantami confirmed the completion of a multibillion-naira Phase Two Galaxy Back Bone Centre in order to provide Nigerians with free access to digital and other technological services. The Data Four Centre in Kano will serve as regional office of the Galaxy BackBlbone Ltd.

5. Launching Of e-debit card, agency banking, 27 logistics vehicles By NIPOST

The Nigerian Postal Service, NIPOST, recently launched an electronic debit card called Postal Service Debit Card to fast-track financial inclusion plan of the Federal government. The agency also unveiled its Agency Banking platform and Twenty Seven Courier service vehicles to boost Nigeria’s digital economy.

6. Launching Of ‘improved mobile app’ and tokenization to enhance SIM-NIN linkage

The federal government also launched the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) mobile application to enhance the subscriber identity module (SIM) and national identification number (NIN) linkage. The federal government has also launched “tokenization” and “contactless enrolment” as innovative solutions to improve data privacy.

READ ALSO: Enhancing Nigeria’s Cybersecurity with Artificial Intelligence

7. Increase in Digital Literacy Skills

The National Information Technology Development Agency, NITDA, supervised the training of thousands of Artisans across the 6 Geo-Political Zones on digital literacy and phone repairs. The Agency trained women on ICT and Entrepreneurship, People Living with Disabilities, each provided with Laptops (with pre-installed e-learning & graphics Software), Internet Dongles & Bag-Packs, direct jobs and indirect jobs were created; trained hundreds of Nigerians on Software, Mobile App & Web Development, and Entrepreneurship.

8. Creation Of Two New Companies From Nigeria communication Satellite (NIGCOMSAT)

The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, on September, 2021, unveiled two new companies created from the Nigerian Communications Satellite {NIGCOMSAT). They are: Satellite Infrastructure Company ( SIC) and the Satellite Broadband and Broadcasting Company (SBBC). The SIC provides satellite upstream services such: as Transponder Leasing, In-orbit-Testing (IOT) services and Carrier Spectrum Management (CSM) services. The SBBC sought to provide satellite downstream services such; as broadband internet services and broadcasting services, amongst others.

The managing director of NIGCOMSAT, Abimbola Alale, said it was repositioning itself for potential opportunities and risks, hence,” the creation of operational structures, to facilitate its business aspirations.

“As we strive to achieve our vision to be the leading satellite communication solutions provider in Nigeria and Africa, NIGCOMSAT in 2020, obtained approval to form two subsidiary companies (SUBCOs)”.

9. Establishment of Digital Fabrication Laboratory

Mal Kashifu Inuwa, Director General, National Information Technology Development Agency, NITDA, commissioned Digital Fabrication Laboratory (Abuja FabLab 1.0), a unit within the Centre that serves as one of its revenue-generating components.

FabLab offers training and capacity-building programmes for the Centre’s staff and external Agencies requiring such services. While the FabLab serves all the entities within the ecosystem, it also maintains an open-door policy to the public, hence encouraging all digital innovators and makers to drive their ideas from inception to impact. It maintains an open access policy to allow the laboratory to serve as a digital innovation accelerator for all innovators and makers. It allows open-production and public access to aid innovation and entrepreneurship activities.

10. Deployment of 5G Network

The Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Danbatta, has said that e-commerce platforms and fintech in Nigeria would benefit immensely from 5G technology once deployed.

According to him, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), especially fintech and e-commerce firms, are currently expanding the digital ecosystem in Nigeria by riding on telecoms infrastructure, which is being improved upon through the deployment of new technologies.

The NCC boss noted that ongoing efforts to deepen broadband penetration and the planned deployment of 5G will further boost the services of digital SMEs.

The post Tech Digest: 10 Major Accomplishments in Nigeria’s Digital Economy in the Last One Year appeared first on Tech Digest News.

TECHDIGEST – The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isah Ibrahim Pantami, has charged the newly inaugurated Governing Boards of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Nigerian Postal Services(NIPOST) to be law abiding in the discharge of their responsibilities in cascading Nigeria’s digital economy policy.

The Minister gave this charge in his remarks after he administered the oath of office to the 44 members of the three agencies under the Ministry in Abuja yesterday.

Pantami commended President Muhammadu Buhari for accepting the  recommendation of the Ministry  to reappoint most of the members to serve as Chairmen and members of the board  to support the oversight of the parastatals, and cascade the National Policies that are being  implemented by the supervising ministry.

He tasked the board  members to limit themselves within the responsibilities assigned to them by the various enabling Acts of  the Parastatals and other government policies and directives that may come up from time to time.

“More than 90 per cent of the board members have been reappointed, this reappointment came as a result of our recommendation because most of you have displayed maturity in the way and manner  you interact with the parastatals.

“We hear so many complaints from other ministeries where every day you discover board members are fighting the management and they completely neglect their responsibilities and whenever they meet they only discuss contracts” he  said, adding that the ministry will not tolerate such.

“Carry out your responsibilities within the armbit of the law and the constitution of Nigeria. Government has appointed all of you to discharge certain responsibilities and cannot condone any form of insorbodination. Boards have no power to award contracts, you are not part of their management or the tenders board, only the management that is represented on the tenders board,” he said.

Out of the 44 board members, NIMC has 17,  NITDA has 19  while NIPOST has 8.

According to Pantami, the ICT sector has been recording tremendous achievements, adding in terms data base, Nigeria has hit over 87 million within the last two years from 42 million it inherited from the last 13 years.

The chairman of the Governing Board of NIMC, Prof. Jalo El-Nafaty, who spoke on behalf of all the chairmen and members of all the boards, lauded the federal government for giving them the opportunity to serve.

He said “ we assure and promise the ministry that we will do our best  to perform our functions optimally and move the nation forward.”

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TECHDIGEST – The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof Isa Pantami has inaugurated 44 members of the Governing boards of National Identity Management  Commission (NIMC), Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) and National  Information  Technology Development Agency (NITDA).

According to Pantami, the newly appointed Governing Board members’ duties include monitoring the operations of the parastatals and cascading the national policies created by the overseeing ministry.

“We have inaugurated 44 Governing Board members, 17 for NIMC with ex officials members including those appointed by Mr President and others.

“NITDA we have 19 including the Chairman and the Chief Executive Officer who serves as the secretary and members of the board and NIPOST have 8 members. we do hope you continue to display maturity,”he said.

“You should try  your best within the responsibilities that has been assigned to you by the various enabling Acts establishing this parastatals and other government policies and directives that may come up from time to time.

“More than 90 per cent of them appointed today  were reappointed as a result of our recommendation as well as due to their displayed of  maturity in the way and manner they interact with the parastatals.

“We must ensure that we respect constitutional authority in whatever we do. and the  Board have no power as regards to awarding contracts and Minister has no power when it comes to awarding contracts as an independent status.

“We are part of the board the management and we are not part of the the tenders board.

“To be fair to all of you. I am so much grateful in the way and manner you try to display maturity of yourself operate within the ambit of the laws and government policies and hope you improve in the second tenure,” Pantami said.

NIMC’s governing board 17 members are:

Prof. Usman A. El-Nafaty, Chairman- Presidency; Dr. Dahiru I. Inuwa, Presidency; Mr. Kole Jagun Presidency; DCM Efosa Osawe, MNSE, Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC); Engr Chidi Nwafor, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC); Mr. Joseph Amakurugbonwo National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS); Saidu Bashir Daura, Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS); Mr. Anyim Chinyere Nyerere National Pension Commission (PENCOM); Mr. Abdullahi Danmani, Department of State Security Service (SSS); Mr. Inuwa B. Jalingo, National Population Commission (NPoC); Mr. Musa Itopa Jimoh, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN); Mr. Agweye Benedict Economic And Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC); CP Yari Lafiya, Nigerian Police Force (NPF); Gen. Samad Akesode Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA); Mr. Abel Augustine Olutoyin Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC); Mr. Kola OkunolaFederal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS); including the Engr. Aliyu Abubakar Aziz Director General/CEO National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).

While the NITDA’s governing board 19 members are:

Dr Abubakar Saidu, Chairman; Hon. Olakunle Kazeem Salako Representing Geopolitical Zones; Dr Habibu Ahmed Imam, Representing Geopolitical Zones; Zainab Ibrahim Jalo, Representing Geopolitical Zones; Rt. Hon. Abdullahi Bello, Representing Geopolitical Zones; Princess Amarachi Uwanamodo Representing Geopolitical Zones; Mr Idowu Afe, Representing Federal Ministry of Science Technology and Innovation; Engr. A. A. Ladan, Representing Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy; Mr. Mohammed Sani Mahmud Representing Ministry of Education; Engr. Felix NyadoRepresenting Standards Organisation of Nigeria; Engr. Ayo Fanimokun Representing Nigerian Society of Engineers; Mal. Usman Y. Dutse Representing Association of Staff Union of Polytechnics; Prof. Charles O. Uwadia Representing Affiliate Bodies of CPN; Prof Adesina S. Sodiya Representing Affiliate Bodies of CPN; Dr. Muhammad Sirajo Aliyu Representing Affiliate Bodies of CPN; Mr. Muhammed M. Abubakar, Representing Affiliate Bodies of CPN; Dr Adesola Nassir Representing Association of Staff Union of Universities; Barr Francis Effanga Representing Geopolitical Zones and DG NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi as General Secretary.

NIPOST’s governing board 8 members are:

Barr. Maimuna Yaya Abubakar, Chairperson; Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, Alternate Chairperson; Mrs Omobola Olusola-Dada, Member Representing Federal Ministry of Finance; Mr Sylvanus Esinwoke Member Representing Federal Ministry of Interior; Mallam Mainasara Sani Abubakar, Presidency; Mr. Agbabiaka Babatunde Samuel, Presidency; Barrister Bulus S. Yakubu, Presidency; including the Post Master General/CEO of NIPOST, Dr. Ismail Adebayo Adewusi.

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TECHDIGEST – The constant advancements in technology have altered every aspect of our daily life. To remain competitive and satisfy client demands, firms must make every effort to stay abreast of the newest and most promising advancements.

Postal service has greatly improved the level of customer service it offers because of technological advancements. In terms of technology development, the postal service has concentrated on two things: mail innovations and data analytics.

Experts in the postal sector concurred that these developments will continue to drive change within the sector. The Internet of Things, blockchain, and autonomous vehicles are further cutting-edge technologies that haven’t yet had a significant impact on postal service. Even though the postal service has just been researching and testing these technologies so far, with the rapid growth of the industry I believe their impact will grow over the next few years.

The importance of all postal services and international mail systems has not diminished as a result of the increased use of electronic technology. Office administrators have the assurance that the documents or packages have been properly delivered thanks to the postal service’s certified mail and delivery confirmations. To speed up the professional process, postage costs and delivery times can be calculated online.

The postal and parcel sector has seen a significant transformation as a result of the growth of e-commerce, particularly cross-border e-commerce. At every stage of the customer journey, operators are putting a strong emphasis on customer involvement.

A basic element of success in any industry, maintaining a consistent and high-quality experience throughout the buyer’s journey is no longer considered a competitive advantage. The distribution of mail and packages can also be automated.

Postal firms can use shipment tracking data to plan and strategically allocate space in their distribution centers. This information includes movement, location, and idle hours. Depending on the occupancy of distribution centers, shipments may be diverted, or letters and parcels may be better managed in distribution centers.

Customers’ interactions with digital services and businesses have influenced their expectations for postal and package delivery. Minimum wait times, maximum customization, almost immediate response times, and completely transparent procedures are all requirements from shippers and recipients.

Postal services must prioritize the protection of their core business to transform. To do this, they must improve operational excellence, create new revenue streams with creative service offerings, and give quality e-commerce and postal service experiences to boost customer loyalty and public demand for postal services.

Postal workers’ jobs are coming under more and more strain. Global e-retailers may be converting last-mile delivery, the carrier’s primary service offering, into a commodity with no added value and vulnerable to fierce competition.

However, technology is having an impact on Used in a variety of postal industry functions, primarily in sorting and delivering operations, assisting in enhancing the general customer experience.

Various types of technologies are enabling postal and package delivery services to improve efficiency and provide services with value added. This is especially true in the parcel delivery industry, where volume growth necessitates more sorting, capacity, quicker handling procedures, and differentiation in quality.

The Nigerian Postal Services (NIPOST) has improved postal services by utilizing renewable energy throughout the years by rolling out terminals. This evolution has resulted in a major improvement in electronic mail services.

A new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) regarding technology-based delivery and self-service services was signed by NIPOST recently. Postmaster General of the Federation and Chief Executive Officer, NIPOST, Dr. Ismail Adebayo Adewusi, said a strong technology system must be put in place as an efficient engine of digital economy growth.

He said this is a fact that has been recognized by the driver of the national digital economy policy and strategy of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Pantami.

Although the Nigeria Postal Services is improved I believe for a better working system the postal and parcel services will need to completely rethink their last-mile delivery strategy and execution to increase efficiency and reduce emissions. They will put a lot of effort into either taking control of the customer relationship at the time of delivery or forming a partnership with those who do.

Fom Gyem writes from Wuye District Abuja

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TECHDIGEST- The Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) and the National Population Commission (NPC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to adopt a modern and standardised Postcode that will assist security agencies in Nigeria in responding faster to emergencies, reducing banditry, kidnapping, internet scams, and other crimes.

Postmaster General, Dr. Ismail Adebayo Adewusi made this known while briefing journalists in Abuja. According to him, the digitalized postcode will also make doing business easier and will foster an effective healthcare delivery system, among other things.

“The current effort is aimed at transitioning the system to a digital platform to create more efficiency and functionality,” he explained. Without a doubt, such an advanced addressing system will promote the proper operation of more than just the postal sector. It is a critical infrastructure for achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, which include poverty reduction, disease control, and the provision of basic services like water and electricity. It is still an important piece of national infrastructure, particularly in a developing country like ours where the lack of street names and property numbering makes it difficult to meet public and business expectations.

READALSO:NLNG Science Prize judges receive 107 entries for 2022 cycle

“The relentless drive to use new technologies and latest digital solutions to manage operations more efficiently, at lower cost, increased productivity, and better service quality is a major challenge for managers, particularly in a large and complex networked industry that delivers a wide range of products and services.

“Key benefits of the postcode system include: improved mail sorting, delivery, and postal services; improved response to emergencies by security agencies, reducing crimes such as banditry, kidnapping, and Internet scams.

Adewusi also stated that the collaboration between NIPOST and NPC has resulted in his organization’s participation in the updating of the Federal Capital Territory’s (FCT) Enumeration Area Delineation (EAD), with the goal of gaining a better appreciation of the use of satellite imagery and maps to generate field data, which has proven useful in the Postcode’s further development.

Also speaking, NPC Chairman Mr. Nasir expressed the Commission’s support for the initiative and added that the data collected by the NPC over the years, will assist NIPOST in executing the new project.

“Today, Nigeria like many other African countries lacks a proper addressing system and the country loses out on its economic, social and many other salient advantages considering its population. This gap has to be bridged by creating the much needed state of the art delivery services to the general public within the country, as such the importance of this project cannot be overemphasized.

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TECHDIGEST – With data privacy and protection gaining prominence and recognition across the globe through its impact on digital economy, wealth creation and employability, it has become imperative for all Federal Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies in the country to ensure the full protection, privacy and confidentiality of all citizenry data under their purview.

Dr Vincent Olatunji, the National Commissioner (NC) of the Nigeria Data Protection Bureau (NDPB), made this known during a courtesy visit to the Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) office in Abuja.

READ ALSO: NCC To Consumers: Protect Telecom Infrastructure

Speaking on the importance of data privacy and protection in a digital economy, Olatunji stated that the digitization of existing traditional processes which also affects individuals from birth to their deaths should be given utmost attention and priority considering its value.

“Now we are talking about digitizing all processes right from birth of individuals to their death which has laid credence to the fact that we have to adequately protect the kind of information and data we upload on the internet”, he noted.

According to the Bureau’s CEO, data subjects need to know how their data is been handled, processed and protected by data processors in a global digital economy worth over $11.5trillion.

The Data Security Officer of the country expressed the importance of data privacy and protection as a necessary element in the drive for a digital economy while emphatically stating that countries will not do businesses with other countries who don’t have privacy laws.

He then urged NIPOST which is a major data processor and controller considering the volume of data they process daily to develop robust privacy policy, organizational measures, technological measures and staff capacity building in line with the provisions of the Nigerian Data Protection Regulations (NDPR).

“On your website, you need to emphasize more on your privacy policy which must be simple, effective and clearly displayed. We will also be building the capacities of your regional officers on data protection procedures since they are the frontliners who have direct interaction with people and their data”, he added.

While highlighting the need for NIPOST to engage a Data Protection Compliance Organization (DPCO) to put them through NDPR compliance measures, Olatunji averred that DPCOs have been instrumental in the traction gained in the implementation of the NDPR which has also helped in the growth of the Nation’s economy.

“We have licensed 103 DPCOs and an average DPCO employs nothing less than 10 people depending on their capacity and the number of clients they are dealing with. This has helped in job creation in the country with a total of over 8000 jobs created in the ecosystem”, he disclosed

Emphasizing further, the NC mentioned that DPCOs will take NIPOST through the compliance process on an annual basis and file their audit report with the Bureau which will be published subsequently on the Bureau’s website.

The published report according to Olatunji will lay credence to the fact that NIPOST has complied fully, taken the issue of data privacy seriously and demonstrate synergy amongst the agencies under the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy.

He then advised the management of NIPOST to ensure that all courier and logistics companies under them comply with data privacy in order to earn the trust of Nigerians.

“We are developing tool kits for different sectors in the country based on their peculiarities and will work with you to ensure that the provisions of the NDPR are not only complied with but seen as a culture”, Dr Olatunji concluded.

Reacting to the National Commissioner’s address, the NIPOST Postmaster General, Dr. Ismail Adebayo Adewusi commended the Honorable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Ali Ibrahim (Pantami) for recommending the appointment of Dr. Olatunji as the pioneer National Commissioner of the Bureau.

“Truth be told, Dr. Olatunji is a highly professional and cerebral technocrat who has adequately discharged all the assignments he has been entrusted to handle over the years and is a perfection description of a round peg in a round hole”, he asserted.

The PMG then applauded the Bureau for their unflinching and consistent efforts thus far in ensuring the protection of data in the country.

He disclosed that the corporation has been educating and sensitizing people on the role of posts in a digital economy considering the critical role they play in the movement of people’s goods, parcels, mails and financial services across the globe.

Stating that NIPOST is at the center of dealing with people’s information, Adewusi said they have a serious responsibility to protect people’s data within their domain and promised to work closely with the Bureau in achieving this.

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