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The Many Roadblocks to Postal Service
Postal service including the courier has been hailed as capable of delivering return on investment if well-structured and managed.
However, there are divergent views on the issue of deregulating the sector to make it a money spinner.
Some opinion leaders in the industry argue that telecommunications and postal service are sensitive to the security and economy of any nation and therefore should be left in the hands of the government to pull the strings of control.
This school of thought also says that the sector should not be totally deregulated.
On the other hand, it has been stressed by the other school of thought on the need to liberalize the sector to make players in the industry reap the bounty potentials of the sector.
They posit that regulation in the postal sector is needed to ensure viable competition to correct market failures and protect consumers’ and investors’ interest even as they picked holes in the present arrangement where the Courier Regulatory Department (CRD) , an organ of NIPOST that is also a player in the industry, is meant to call the shots in the industry.
They likened the scenario to a player officiating in a match where he is also an active participant. No doubt, they believe, the impartial disposition of the official will also be called to question.
What is therefore needed in this direction is for government to make a bold step and ratify the document that is supposedly now in the domain of the National Assembly and name an independent regulator for the industry to kick-start the much awaited competition in the arena since postal stakeholders have generally argued that competition is a healthy development in any industry.
Further delay in giving accent to the postal commission document is injurious to national development as the postal sector has contributed immensely to national economic growth, generating revenue in several billions of naira as well as creating employment opportunities for thousands of Nigerians even in the present arrangement in where the CRD is still part of the NIPOST, also a player in the industry.
Without overflogging the issue, postal operators have also cried out loud on the harsh and difficult environment under which they do business.
The environment, they complained is not conducive to the postal business in particular and other businesses in general.
The sorry state of much of the Nigerian roads and networks is holding the postal sector back and preventing it from competing adequately in the global market.
Courier is a perishable product that is time sensitive, anything that subtracts timeliness of delivery has therefore removed the essence of courier.
There’s also the issue of harassing of courier vehicles and motor- cycles by government agencies including the local government officials.
Operators have also complained of extortion at the airports by the police, customs, NDLEA and other security operatives.
Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has alleged collusion between commercial banks and government officials to re-loot recovered funds from Sani Abacha, late dictator.
Sani Abacha
The $322 million Abacha loot, recovered in December 2017 and earmarked for Conditional Cash Transfer under the Social Investment Programme, was intended to provide monthly stipends to vulnerable Nigerians.
However, Dele Oyewale, spokesperson for the EFCC, disclosed that investigations have uncovered financial malpractices involving COVID-19 funds and World Bank-assisted loans coordinated by the Humanitarian Ministry. Several interdicted and suspended officials of the ministry have been linked to the alleged malfeasance, with N32.7 billion and $445,000 recovered from them.
Managing directors of implicated banks have provided statements, and investigations are ongoing, with former minister Sadiya Umar-Farouq and her successor, Beta Edu, summoned for questioning.
The EFCC stressed that the probe targets a systemic issue rather than individuals, signaling a crackdown on corruption within Nigeria’s financial sector and government agencies.
The eagerly anticipated E3 Conference, hosted by FITC, is back for its fourth edition, poised to set new benchmarks in the realm of employee engagement and organizational sustainability.
Themed, “Redefining HR Through AI & Digital Transformation for Organizational Sustainability,” the conference is scheduled to take place on April 17th and 18th.
In a statement, FITC says the E3 Conference stands as a beacon of innovation, bringing together thought leaders, industry experts, policymakers, and professionals from across Africa and beyond.
It explained that in today’s fast-paced landscape, technology such as AI and automation is reshaping the dynamics of human resource management.
“The E3 Conference is dedicated to unravelling the potential of these advancements, focusing on topics ranging from talent mobility to the latest trends in managing talent. It’s a journey towards understanding and embracing these transformative shifts, ensuring that businesses are primed for the future of HR.
“With a stellar lineup of over 24 speakers, including C-suite Executives, Subject Matter Experts, and Thought Leaders from various sectors, the conference promises to deliver insights that transcend conventional boundaries. Attendees can expect deep dives into strategies for enhancing productivity, streamlining processes, and maximizing global talent mobility through AI and automation, “it stated.
“Keynote speakers such as Evi Ifekwe, Executive Director of People & Country Services at TotalEnergies EP Nigeria Limited, and Wale-Smatt Oyerinde, Director-General of NECA, alongside a faculty lineup comprising industry stalwarts, will spearhead discussions on critical issues shaping the future of work.
The two-day hybrid event will feature four plenary sessions and two master classes, providing attendees with ample opportunities for networking, knowledge exchange, and interactive engagement.
Participants will delve into topics such as the impact of AI on the future of work, data-driven performance management, and strategic implementation of AI in HR.
The conference is expected to provide insights into cutting-edge strategies for professionals and HR leaders who will gain invaluable insights from industry pioneers on leveraging AI and digital transformation to drive organizational sustainability and employee engagement, “it stated.
“As organisations worldwide grapple with the complexities of the new normal, the E3 Conference serves as a beacon of hope and enlightenment, offering practical solutions and visionary insights to navigate the challenges ahead, ” the company said.
L-R: The Director General, National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) Kuru, Prof. Ayo Omotayo presenting an Award to the Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu during a study tour of the Senior Executive Course 46 at the NASENI Headquarters Abuja today, Monday 15th April, 2024.
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