KEY POINTS
- The NIPOST has released a N250 stamp as part of activities to celebrate the UPU’s 150th anniversary.
- POSTMONI banking solution rolled out to increase inclusiveness of the financial services across the country.
- This partnership between NIPOST and SMEDAN is expected to reduce the cost of delivery to MSMEs.
In commemoration of this year’s World Postal Day, the Nigerian Postal Service has instituted several exciting measures, which include the release of a N250 commemorative postage stamp, and the roll out of the POSTMONI Agency Banking Solution.
These efforts are towards enhancing the Postal Service delivery as a financial inclusion tool and appraising the postal sector in the Nigerian socio-economic growth.
The N250 postage stamp for the 150 th anniversary of UPU is the World Post Day logo and its launch coincides with the establishment of the UPU on 9th October, 1874. The special edition stamp shows NIPOST’s continued commitment to preserving postal culture.
POSTMONI: A new dawn for financial inclusion
Apart from commemorating postal history, NIPOST introduced Postmoni, an agency banking model that seeks to extend financial services to the populace at a cheaper price. This is a social network that is aimed at integrating the world and help people get financial services, and more specifically, in rural or underbanked regions.
Speaking at the launch of POSTMONI, the Post Master General, Tola Odeyemi noted that the service is relevant in meeting financial needs. She also explained how NIPOST has formed alliances with various stakeholders such as SMEDAN that will enable reduction of MSME’s courier cost by 15% hence enhancing market access and delivery logistics in the country.
Role in national development and postal innovation
The management of NIPOST, thus remains committed to enhanced public service delivery. The partnership with National Agency for Control of AIDS (NACA) for transportation of samples within the country in Taraba and Abia States is almost through. This partnership employs NIPOST’s delivery services in order to advance health care cause.
Also, NIPOST is also working on the development of the National Addressing System in collaboration with the National Population Commission to address the issues of mail delivery and increase in service delivery in other sectors such as government parastatals and financial institutions.
Accordding to Vanguard, this is as state offices of NIPOST are celebrating World Postal Day and their roles in Nigeria’s development through road shows and other events. Additionally by these, NIPOST has remained focused in driving innovation and development in the postal and financial services in Nigeria.