New Operators Urged to Register with Relevant Authorities

Association of Nigeria Courier Operators (Anco), has appealed to intending courier operators to register with the relevant authorities in the industry before they officially commence operation.
Toyin Olufade, Anco president, told Nigeria Communications Week that all intending courier operators should register with the association, the Courier Regulatory Department (CRD), arm of Nipost, local government councils and other professional bodies, to ensure a hitch free business operation.
According to Olufade, “ with over 15 years in the courier industry and my experience as Anco president, having received series of report from new operators who get their offices locked up by local government officials on their first day of operation, it is my candid advice to all intending operators who want to join the industry, to do so fully by registering with the relevant authorities before they commence operations.”
It is important to note here that Anco is an umbrella body of all courier operators in the country, while the CRD is a regulatory body set up by the government in 2002 as a government response to private sector demand for industry regulation.
It is apparent that the astronomical growth in demand for courier services and increasing number of operators, which posed imminent dangers, led to the establishment of the  CRD.
The body, is to implement the provisions of the Courier Regulatory Guidelines as derived from the Nigerian Postal Service Act 41 of 1992, which involves :   Handling matters relating to Issuing and Renewal of operating license,  Monitoring and Enforcement of standards, Creating an enabling and sustainable environment for Courier Service Business in Nigeria by liaising with various stakeholders in the industry, and Capacity Building.
The vision of the CRD is to trailblaze a unique dimension of Courier Service Regulation that will provide leadership for Africa and command ovation globally, while its mission is to make Nigeria a viable player in the global economy by providing sustainable regulatory conditions that will ensure a continuous modernization of the operators and a surpassing of their service compact with customers everywhere. 
However to tell how important Anco is in courier industry, more operators have continued to declare their interest to become members of the association, as preparations are on top gear to organize ‘courier games’, which will bring all stakeholders in the industry together.
However, the courier games which was originally billed to hold last month has been shifted to the period when operators in the industry will hold their annual general meetings, to ensure that all operators in the industry participate in the games.
Anco,  in its determination to move the industry to the next stage is fashioning out an array of exercise that will drag stakeholders in the courier and postal business to the streets of Lagos to exercise their body.
The industry which is presently at the verge of monumental reforms will experience relaxation and recreation for the very first time in the industry, as the event is tagged “Jog For Life “.
Siyanbola Oladapo, general secretary of the association who spoke on the issue, said Anco is mobilizing its members for the event which will take place soon.
Oladapo also said that the association is making necessary arrangements like getting clearance from the police and other things to ensure that the event is hitch free.
However, he said that the event, which will be a major get-together for employees of the courier industry will as well provide a platform for members to unwind, recreate and share ideas in a more relaxed and conducive setting.
Furthermore, he said the jogging exercise will help engender the spirit of oneness, promote healthy body and improve productivity level at work.
Oladapo added the event will help to build stronger goodwill for employees of the courier companies and members of their family, who will be very happy to participate and cheer up their fans during the exercise.
Also, he appealed to prospective participants in the jogging exercise to indicate their interest early enough, to enable the association plan ahead and ensure a successful outing.
Adegboyega kuyebi, administrative secretary of the association, who also spoke on the latest development, said the four courier companies who has just joined the association are not new in the industry.
Kuyebi, noted that their joining the association at this time, shows that they have decided to identify with the association and will not hesitate to be part of the forth coming courier games.