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LCCI Says New Postal Bill will Jeopardize Investments in Courier Industry
Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has described the provisions of the Nigerian Postal Services Bill 2021 as an impediment to sustainable investment in the courier industry.
The Nigerian Postal Bill, currently before the National Assembly is receiving a lot of opposition from LCCI as the institution warned that the Nigerian Postal Services Bill 2021 as passed by the Senate is replete with provisions that would be detrimental to private sector investments in the courier industry.
A statement signed by Mr. Muda Yusuf, director general of the Chamber of Commerce, expressed reservation about the bill, saying that it was inimical to private sector investments in the courier business.
It noted that the passage of the bill in its current form would put over 100,000 jobs in the courier sector at risk and jeopardise over N300 billion investments in courier services business.
The statement also said the bill would worsen the country’s ease of doing business ratings, which is currently unenviably low for a country like Nigeria still grappling with enormous perception problems by investors.
‘It is a negation of the ease of doing business agenda of the Federal Government and not in consonance with the fundamental principles of the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan,” the statement read in part.
Yusuf regretted the fact that the bill had been passed and was awaiting concurrence by the House of Representatives.
He seized the opportunity to appeal that the progression of the bill be halted and the hurtful provisions be removed in a reworked bill.
He said, ‘The LCCI is worried, in particular, about the following provisions in the bill; imposition of an annual levy of 2.5 per cent of the turnover of courier companies to be paid to the proposed Postal Services Commission; powers conferred on the proposed PSC to fix rates for courier services; monopoly privilege conferred on the Nigerian Postal Service for delivery of items weighing 1kg and below.
According to him, all the provisions are not consistent with the commitment of the National Assembly to private sector development which was affirmed by the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, at the inauguration of the National Assembly Business Environment Roundtable in March 2016.
Also speaking, Mrs. Toki Mabogunje, president of the LCCI, during the Chamber’s, “Address on the State of the Economy,” said the chamber’s concerns about the bill included the requirement in Section 68 (2) (b) that licensed private courier operators should contribute two per cent of their annual turnover to the Universal Postal Service fund.
She said: “We have taken a critical look at the bill and we are seriously concerned about several provisions of the bill. The bill as passed by the Nigerian Senate is replete with provisions that are detrimental to private sector investment in the courier industry.
“This provision is most unfair to courier companies, many of which are struggling to survive. Turnover would include companies’ debts (some of which the courier companies may not be able to collect).
“Besides, these companies currently pay numerous taxes, which include Company Income Tax, VAT and levies by various states of the federation, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and airport charges, throughput charges by the FAAN pension funds and the NSITF, the NHF, local government charges, signage fees of various states, etc.).
“The industry is currently beset with a variety of taxes at national and sub-national levels.”
Mabogunje also expressed the LCCI’s discomfort with the exclusive powers granted to the Public Postal Operator (PPO) in Section 10 (1) (a), (b), (h), (j) and (r) of the bill for “collecting, accepting, processing, conveying and delivering postal articles weighing up to one kilogramme and delivering postal articles with the tariff of less than five times the rate of postage applicable to the particular weight class.”
Zinox Technologies Limited, a leading ICT solutions provider in West Africa, has engaged with the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) in Abuja, marking a significant step towards advancing innovation and sustainable energy solutions within Nigeria’s tertiary education landscape.
Dr. Leo Stan Ekeh, Zinox Chairman (left) and Arc. Sonny Echono, Executive Secretary, TETFUND (right) after the meeting
Under the theme “Advancing Innovation for a Sustainable Future,” the meeting aimed to establish a collaborative framework for technological transformation.
The Zinox delegation was led by Dr. Leo Stan Ekeh, its chairman, and included key members of the company’s executive management team.
On the TETFUND side, Arc. Sonny Echono, executive secretary, was joined by members of his top management team for the high-level discussions.
The highlight of the visit was the establishment of a strategic partnership between Zinox Technologies and TETFUND to provide renewable energy solutions to universities and polytechnics across Nigeria.
Additionally, Mrs. Kelechi Eze-Okonta, managing director, delivered a comprehensive, world-class presentation on the company’s diverse verticals and advanced ICT services, underscoring the need for intentional policy measures to support indigenous technologies for sustainable economic growth.
The TETFUND team expressed their appreciation for Zinox’s contributions to technology awareness, implementation, and adoption in Africa.
Arc. Sonny Echono, executive secretary of TETFUND, conveyed his deep appreciation for the visit by the Zinox team and commended Dr. Leo Stan Ekeh for his unwavering and impactful contributions to Nigeria’s digital transformation, stating that efforts are underway to establish a framework for effective energy solutions in tertiary institutions.
Highlighting Zinox Technologies’ expertise and proven track record, Arc. Echono expressed optimism about partnering with the company to develop scalable and efficient power solutions for academic institutions.
While both organizations remain committed to implementing innovative initiatives that enhance institutional capacity across the nation’s higher education sector, the visit marks a significant milestone in establishing a strategic partnership to equip Nigeria’s tertiary institutions with the essential technological infrastructure for a sustainable, digitally-driven future.
In a heartfelt tribute, MTN has hailed late Dr. Pascal Gabriel Dozie, an exceptional leader, steady hand and enduring legacy.
Pascal Gabriel Dozie, Former Chairman
In the tribute, MTN said it was deeply saddened by the passing of Dr. Dozie, founding chairman of MTN Nigeria.
He passed away at the age of 85
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing and working with him” the telecom giant said.
A pioneer, statesman, and titan of industry, Dr. Dozie played a pivotal role in the emergence of mobile telephony in Nigeria and in shaping the MTN Nigeria story.
He brought insight, experience, and leadership at a time when bold vision was essential.
He was instrumental in securing the early support and investment that brought the Y’ello dream to life. On May 16, 2001, he made the first call on the MTN network, a historic moment in Nigeria’s telecommunications journey.
For 18 years, from 2001 to 2019, Dr. Dozie served as Chairman, leading with strength and conviction.
His presence on the Board was unifying. He championed good governance, corporate responsibility, and long-term value, deeply committed to the greater good. In challenging times, he remained a stabilising force.
“His unwavering belief in Nigeria’s potential and his dedication to its development were truly inspiring. His leadership at MTN Nigeria laid the foundation for our success, and his legacy will continue to guide us in the years to come,” Karl Toriola, CEO, MTN Nigeria.
Some of his landmark contributions include:
The incorporation of the MTN Nigeria Foundation in 2004 and our commitment to dedicating a percentage of profit after tax to social investments;
The launch of one of Africa’s largest switching centres in 2010;
His significant role in 2015 during critical conversations around the regulatory fine and its resolution;
The introduction of Africa’s first 3G feature phone in 2018;
MTN Nigeria’s listing in 2019 on the premium board of the Nigerian Exchange.
“Dr. Dozie was instrumental in MTN Group’s expansion into Nigeria, providing visionary leadership that has left an indelible mark on our company’s history. His commitment to excellence and integrity set a standard that we continue to uphold,” Ralph Mupita, president & CEO, MTN Group.
His legacy goes well beyond MTN. He believed in Nigeria’s potential and dedicated his life to building a stronger nation.
His impact spanned banking, telecommunications, education, and public service.
He founded Diamond Bank, led the Nigerian Economic Summit Group, and served as Director of the Central Bank of Nigeria, among many other distinguished roles. A generous mentor, he inspired and guided countless individuals who continue to uphold the values he lived by.
He was a quiet revolutionary. He could ease tensions with grace and consistently led with clarity and conviction.
He was warm, principled, and deeply respected by all who encountered him.
Fondly known as PGD, he was honoured with the national awards of Officer and Commander of the Order of the Niger (OON and CON).
Beyond the accolades, what we remember most is the man himself. He was innovative, dedicated, measured, thoughtful and humble.
“We are profoundly grateful for his time with us. His memory will remain a guiding light for MTN, Nigeria’s business community, and everyone who shares his unwavering commitment to progress built on integrity and service” MTN stated
Nigerian Communication Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT) in collaboration with Jigawa state government, commenced training of 150 youths on satellite technology and digital communication.
Jane Egerton-Idehen, managing director, NIGCOMSAT limited,
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the training, held at Manpower development Dutse, Jane Egerton-Idehen, managing director, NIGCOMSAT limited, highlighted the role of NIGCOMSAT in driving grassroots innovation in Jigawa state.
She explained that, the training is organised by Nigcomsat supported by Jigawa state government with the theme: “Space Technology for grassroots development”, aimed at empowering youths on digital innovations to create jobs opportunities and boost economy.
“The Nigcomsat youth empowerment programme, Jigawa is a groundbreaking initiative aimed at equipping young minds with cutting-edge knowledge in satellite technology and digital communication”, she said.
The MD maintained that, the program designed to Foster innovation, enhance technical skills and create opportunities for youths in the ever-evolving space-tech industry.
According to her, during the training two key sub-program will be featured, Spacehack 2025 aimed at developing satellite technology to tackle real world challenges in areas like agriculture, disaster management, telecommunications and security issues.
She maintained that, the other part of the training focused on Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) technology, a satellite communication system that uses small antennas to transmit and receive data, voice, and vedio signals.
In his remarks, Dr Habib Muhammad Ubale, director general, Jigawa State Economic Empowerment and Youth employment agency, urged the participants to concentrate, acquire the skills and stepdown the skills to others for better development.
Dr. Habib who is the effort is one of the twelve points agenda of Governor Malam Umar Namadi said, the training will create thousands of jobs, improve economy and reduce security challenges in the state.
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