Courier operators have decried the constant harassments, intimidations and extortions by various government agencies and called for the harmonization of levies and clearance certificates to position the industry on the path of growth.
The operators under the aegis of Association of Nigeria Courier Operators (ANCO) on a courtesy visit to Communication Week Media publishers of Nigeria CommunicationsWeek called on the federal government to remove the roadblocks to courier operations described as an integral part of the Nigerian economy.
Apart from the litany of challenges; the absence of appropriate legislation has also served to exacerbate the problems of courier operators.
Mr. Siyanbola Oladapo, ANCO’s president, said that there was need to harmonize system where a clearance paper is needed for their movements within and outside Lagos.
“Our main challenge has to do with the local governments. Now, the law of Lagos State with regards to motorcycles usage, we have complied with. But, it is ironical that we obtained licence from the Federal Government and when you want to cross from Lagos to Ogun State and other neighbouring States agents of Local Governments and even States start harassing us for one levy or the other. They clampdown on our members, impound our vehicles and motorcycles.
We are advocating that Government should restrict their officials from harassing our members. We play that government come up with a harmonized system that will guarantee that once you are cleared you continue your business. We regret constant harassment of our members by these agents.”
The ANCO president spoke on the activities of illegal operators adding “they have left very bad impressions about courier operators. They cut prices. We have reached out to the CRD, security agencies, and we will allow them to do the needful. They will eventually run away.
In his response, Ken Nwogbo, publisher/editor in-chief, Nigeria CommunicationsWeek, thanked the Association for their resilience in the pursuit of the passage of the National Postal Commission Bill, adding that the all-important document has overstayed at the National Assembly.
Nwogbo commended the Association executives in tackling enormous challenges before the operators and assured them of his company’s preparedness to partner with ANCO.