ANCO Lauds 8th Senate on Postal Bill, Canvasses for Public Hearing

The Association of Nigeria Courier Operators (ANCO), the umbrella body of indigenous courier operators in Nigeria, have expressed delight with members of the eight Senate for the consideration of the seemingly abandoned Postal Reform Bill by their predecessors.

Speaking during a press conference in Lagos, Mr. Siyanbola Oladapo, ANCO president said that the Association is pleased with the Nigeria senate for its consideration and expected passage of the Postal Commission Bill.

ANCO members, however, strongly canvassed for public hearing on the supposedly “aged” Bill introduced in the national Assembly since 2004.

According to Oladapo, it is the hope of ANCO that the bill having been abandoned midway by the 6th and 7th Assembly will eventually be passed by this 8th senate.

He said that every indicators in the economy supports that the postal and courier industry needs an independent regulator with full enabling laws to operate.

He said, “ANCO as an umbrella body of Nigeria courier companies has been at the fore front in the pursuit for the establishment of an independent postal and courier regulatory body in Nigeria”.

He said that, Nigeria as a leading economy in West African Sub-region, and indeed Africa, a postal regulatory commission is of great importance to enable the country harness the enormous potentials in the post and courier sector of the economy.

“This explains why most countries in Africa have established postal regulatory commissions,” The ANCO president said.

He said that, while the debate for the passage of the bill in the senate is ongoing, ANCO observed that such Bill that will inadvertently impact the existence of the operators should necessitate factoring in the views of the operators.

Therefore, ANCO members said “It is pertinent that courier companies especially ANCO as major stakeholders be consulted for input into bill as they are better placed to advice on the situation of the industry in Nigeria.

“The senate takes into consideration the workings of such Commissions where they exist in Africa. This will help to place Nigeria courier companies on a vantage pedestal for the expected business synergy with operators in West Africa sub region.

“The Postal Reform Bill as a matter of necessity should enable the would-be Commission have powers to curb the inimical activities of local government employees on road transportation in every local government area of Nigeria”.

The members also expressed confidence that passage of the Postal Commission Bill will, no doubt, boost courier operations in Nigeria and will serve as an apparatus to contain the increasing mortality rate of registered companies being experienced in the industry presently.

“The postal industry will thus be made to function at optimum and contribute adequately in the generation of employment and increased gross domestic product, GDP, of the nation”.

 


 

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