Adedapo Adesanya
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Nigerian Postal Services (NIPOST) has signed a partnership deal with Egyptian firm, e-Gate Egypt, on digital transformation of logistics and last-mile delivery chain services across borders.
The Postmaster-General (PMG) and Chief Executive Officer of NIPOST, Mr Ismail Adewusi, confirmed this in Abuja on Monday when the CEO of e-gate Egypt, Mr Essam Alsaghir, visited NIPOST headquarters to sign the partnership.
Last-mile delivery is the movement of goods from the warehouse, shelf or transport hub to its final delivery destination or the customer’s doorstep.
Mr Adewusi, who said that the partnership would help in addressing infrastructure gaps in the agency, added that it would also assist in job creation.
According to the PMG, “the digital transformation of the post implies that from end to end, the customer can track the movement of his mails and his parcels.
“I think it is one area that we’ve really lacked some form of competitive edge.
“The signing of this agreement will also assist us in contributing to the vision of President Muhammadu Buhari administration of lifting 100 million people out of poverty over the next 10 years.”
He said with the agreement, NIPOST could engage many youths thereby increasing job opportunities in the country.
Mr Alsaghir, while explaining the significance of the agreement, said that digitally transforming NIPOST operations would fundamentally change the way postal services were delivered in Nigeria.
“When the agreement is implemented, the entire mail delivery system will be automated using driver mobile application. Customers can track the movement of their parcels through a mobile app.
“Our partnership with NIPOST will provide our customers with new technology and mobile app for a secure, easy and faster way to reach their clients not only for postal service but other transactions,” Mr Alsaghir said.
He further said the partnership would help to generate money-making opportunities for many Nigerians, particularly young people.
“It is an income-generating opportunity, where citizens’ vehicles will be used. Now, every citizen with a vehicle will be a potential Courier Agent for the POS and private business,” he said.
The framework agreement is aimed at allowing Pan African Postal Union (PAPU) and stakeholders to explore and execute business opportunities for registered communication and digital postal services.
