General News
W/A Courier Hub Depends On National Regulators Commissions-Riverson
Isaac Annan Riverson is executive secretary, Postal and Courier Services Regulatory Commission (PCSRC), Ghana. Riverson is a Lawyer and a Civil Engineer and holds B.Sc. (Hons) Civil Engineering from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi and Barrister-at-Law from the Ghana School of Law.
He is a Member of International Bar Association (IBA), Ghana Bar Association, America Society of Engineers (ASCE) and National Society of Black Engineers) (NSBF).
On his recent visit to Nigeria during the 5th Bowill Errands International Courier Summit, he spoke to peter ugwu on the need for a revolution in courier sector in Africa, West Africa in particular, citing technology as an enabler in the industry as well.
Creation Of PCSRC and Impact On Courier And Postal Sector In Ghana
The creation of PCSRC in Ghana has helped a lot. Prior to its creation in 2003, we had a sector that was quite aband
W/A Courier Hub Depends On National Regulators Commissions-Riversononed, so to speak.
The operators where left to determine their own operational guidelines; there were no regulations. And those who patronize the services did not have any Government protection as required. So, the Commission was established with mandate to licence and regulate the sector.
We have managed to bring the operators under this umbrella. With that coming into force, it then implies that the operators find a ‘sanctuary’ in the Commission where issues that concern them are given adequate attention.
And the consumers or customers are offered the opportunity of been served better because they can now seek redress when they are not served well.
In all, the Commission came to sanitize the sector. And it has never been the same since the creation; when you have such Commission, solely responsible for the day-to-day activities in the sector, much attention has been focused on it. In addition, we have Government’s support to carry out our duties.
We have realized in most jurisdictions, they tend to mussel the Postal and Courier sector together with the Telecommunications.
When that happens the telecom tends to take the lions share. The reason is not far-fetched; the telecom is more buoyant. But they cannot run away from the important of the courier.
Regional bodies like ECOWAS are fighting for the proper recognition of the sector, particularly, at the national fronts; from there we move to integrations for trades. We are talking about the movement of goods and services across the borders.
Businesses n the Sector
Since the creation of the Commission in Ghana the numbers of operators have risen to 70; although we acknowledge that some of them are small operators, who can only operate within the country. There are few large enough to carry out international operations.
In other words, there are local and international categories. The local category we have small, medium and large operators, same applies to the international. Each of them pays a particular fee.
So, when a company applies for a licence we scrutinize the operational capacity of the firm and then fix them into a particular category. With time, especially, when the operations are expanding the firm can reapply and could be moved to a higher category.
What happened is that the registered operators helped us to fine the unregistered ones; therefore, the number of illegal operators in the system has reduced drastically.
In spite this, it is not easy to get everybody on board, but gradually we are making the environment difficult for the unregistered ones to operate. In essence, it has enabled the emergence of new companies, while persuading the unregistered ones to regularize their operations.
The Gains
We realized that due to the transportation difficulties we have; someone may need to move some goods from one place to another, especially parents who may have some parcels to dispatch to their children in schools at different parts of the country, may be weekly or monthly, the courier operators help them in dispatching these items.
What happens is that hence the operators are licenced, parents are very confident to give their parcels to get delivered to their children.
Now, it reduces costs, reduces number of vehicles that have to be on the road at a particular time, etc.
The operators have some fees they pay which go to the purse of the Government.
Simply put, that we are helping people realize their business agenda, restoring the integrity of the industry, while boosting the revenue of the State.
Most importantly, we had a national postal summit where we are looking at improving the quality of the service to the benefit of our people.
West African Courier Hub and Benefits
The benefits to the region will be quite enormous, because when you pull resources together, share ideas, obviously you will enjoy large economics scale.
We are calling for a West African courier hub where operators within the sub-region will have a Commission in-charge of the operations, sharing the common business tips in terms of movement of goods; obviously there will be business promotions.
First, there will partnership that will lessen tensions among nations.
For instance, it will boost the partnership between Ghana and Nigeria and other West African neighbours.
The services would have improved. Then, the African “indigenous” courier companies will feel a sense of belonging.
That is why during my presentation at the Bowill Errand’s 5th International Courier Summit I stressed for Nigeria to quickly set up a Commission; it will focus more on the solving the difficulties facing the sector.
I understand, presently, Nigeria only has a department that is in-charge of regulations. Meanwhile, the department will be consumed with issues that concern the sector.
Courier and postal industry is so large that a department cannot be able to handle all matters that arise within the industry. So, it is quite imperative that Nigeria gets a Commission; it will improve shoot the sector to a greater height.
And the operators are not supposed to seat on the fence in the quest for articulating a Commission; they feel most of the heats.
I also understand that there is a Bill resting at the National Assembly; they (the operators) need to keep educating the public who will in-turn add to their voices in advocating for a Commission to e set up.
Place of Technology in the Sector
Technology is something very crucial when it comes to the operations of the courier services, because we are talking about confidence in the system and efficiency.
The customers should be sure that their parcels are safe in your hands. So if you have tools for mobile communication and tracking equipment, it will enable the people to follow the trail of where their goods or parcels are at any point in time. The sector cannot make valuable impact in the contemporary society without the help of technology.
For us in Ghana we are looking at a model where courier companies collaborate with the telecos which will guarantee them some short codes.
The essence is to redefine the process; people can from the comfort of their homes or offices get to know about the movement of the goods and pick them up as when scheduled.
Therefore, technology id very crucial; that is what distinguishes present postal and courier industry from the days letters are dispatched from/on the horse backs.
House Numbering Challenges in Ghana
This is a very important aspect of courier and postal business. We have a body that is in-charge of house numbering.
Recently, the Presidency gave them an ultimatum to come out with a comprehensive system on the housing system.
We believe that with proper house numbering system live becomes easier for the courier operators.
Meanwhile, the system has improved over time. Just like we are clamoring for individual nations in the West Africa corridor to have a national regulatory commission, it is also crucial that proper house numbering system is in place to give the industry a clearer direction.
The point is that people shall be identified through their house numbers, because in this business the customers are not answerable to the operator alone.
Remember that in certain areas people have received dangerous parcels, like letter bomb. So, to contain that, the Government is working very hard to ensure the system is verifiable and for the maintenance of national security.
Union Bank of Nigeria has reiterated its commitment to entrepreneurship and women’s empowerment through its alpher initiative by sponsoring the Nigerian British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC) Women and Youth Entrepreneurship Development Centre (WYEDC) Cohort 2 Programme, which has graduated 125 entrepreneurs who have benefited from firsthand entrepreneurship training and business grants.
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria account for more than 50% of industrial employment and contribute approximately 48% to the country’s GDP.
This makes entrepreneurship one of the economy’s building blocks and is a testament to Union Bank’s unwavering dedication to national development in partnership with NBCC.
In her welcome speech, the Director General of NBCC, Dr. Ebere Njoku, reiterated NBCC’s commitment to supporting entrepreneurship, women’s empowerment, and youth empowerment, citing these as catalysts for economic development and sustainability.
She appreciated the sponsors, partners and facilitators who devoted their resources and time to upskilling the participants.
The entrepreneurship initiative stemmed from the visionary goal of Mr. Ray Atelly, President and Chairman of the Council, NBCC, FRPA, to provide entrepreneurship and grant opportunities to Nigerian women and youths.
Mr. Atelly told the graduates in his speech, “This is your chance, make sure you take it. Don’t let any obstacle stop you because there will be many; if you let it stop you, your dreams are not strong enough. You need to keep pushing, someday you will sit at the top of a conglomerate and people will aspire to be like you.”
Also in attendance was the NBCC’s Patron, Senator Akin Odunsi, FRPA, who congratulated the Cohort 2 graduates.
He said, “I encourage all of you not to take the training you have received for granted. Use it as a landmark opportunity to be a beacon of hope to others who look up to you.”
He also urged the Chamber to provide internship opportunities after the six-month entrepreneurship training in organisations for the incoming Cohort 3 and beyond.
He added that the internship experience will give trainees the unique chance to practice what they learned and, in return, benefit the organisations from their acquired skills.
The goodwill message at the graduation ceremony was delivered on behalf of Mrs. Yetunde Oni, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Union Bank of Nigeria, by Mrs. Vivian Imoh-Ita, the Bank’s Head of Retail and SME Business, who appreciated NBCC for the life-transforming training they are providing to the youth and women entrepreneurs.
She further stated, “As a Bank, we understand that when we invest in women and youth entrepreneurs, we are investing in the most powerful catalysts of economic transformation. Through the Bank’s alpher initiative, we have enabled success for women-led businesses. In a volatile economy like Nigeria, the challenges facing entrepreneurs are dynamic and significant. As a Bank, we intend to prove that these barriers are not unconquerable and are growth opportunities.”
Three entrepreneurs, namely Evelyn Ekene Ani of Evani.Ng (First place), Martha Padonu of Beyond Photography (Second place), and Therietta Vershima of La Teriz (Third place) were declared winners of the Union Bank Business Pitch competition held during the graduation ceremony and were rewarded with funding for their businesses.
The Bank’s sponsorship of the training demonstrates its commitment to fostering a vibrant, innovative, and inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem for women and all individuals.
The trial of three employees of Wema Bank Plc and four others accused of orchestrating N8.9 billion cyber heist has been stalled due to the Eid-el-Kabir public holiday.
Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had arraigned the bank staff—Samuel Asiegbu, Fabian Onyeimachi, and Kingsley Kejim—alongside four alleged accomplices: Hannah Okunlola Adesokan, Hamza Zakariya, Achionu Ubaku, and Sunday Osademe, before Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke of the Federal High Court in Lagos on May 25, 2025.
The seven defendants face an eight-count charge bordering on conspiracy, cybercrime, and obtaining money under false pretences. They were accused of hacking into Wema Bank’s computer systems in January 2025 and unlawfully transferring N8,568,090,500 to various accounts.
According S.O. Larry Peters, counsel, EFCC, the defendants acted in concert with two other suspects—Nurudeen Ibrahim and Alhaji Sulaiman—who are currently at large. The syndicate allegedly manipulated the bank’s data using sophisticated digital tools to cause financial loss and confer illegal economic gains on themselves.
Peters further revealed that two of the defendants—Hannah Okunlola and Sunday Osademe—provided personal bank accounts for the illicit proceeds. Investigators traced N199 million to Okunlola’s UBA account registered under Search Light Media Concept, and N2.25 million to Osademe’s Union Bank account.
The offences, according to the charge sheet, violate Sections 6(2), 8, 14(1), 14(5), and 27(1)(a) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015, as well as Sections 17(a)(b) of the EFCC Establishment Act, 2004.
All seven defendants pleaded not guilty. Following their plea, the court remanded five of the accused in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Services, while Kingsley Kejim continued on existing bail terms.
The court granted a special request by defence counsel to remand Hannah Okunlola in EFCC custody due to medical concerns.
Justice Aneke had adjourned the matter to June 6, 2025, for commencement of trial. However, due to the nationwide Sallah holiday declared by the federal government, the proceedings could not go ahead as scheduled.
A charge reads: “That you, Samuel Ihechukwu Asiegbu, Ejim Kingsley Kelechi, and others now at large, in January 2025, conspired to alter Wema Bank data to cause the loss of N8.568 billion in order to benefit economically, thereby committing an offence under Section 27(1)(a) of the Cybercrimes Act, 2015.”
The case has drawn significant attention as one of the most audacious cybercrime cases involving bank insiders in Nigeria’s recent history.
The 2025 Ojude Oba celebrations kicked off on Friday evening with “Evening with Glo,” a special event organized by Globacom and headlined by Juju music legend Evangelist Ebenezer Obey Fabiyi and Fuji maestro Wasiu Ayinde Marshall (KWAM 1)
This year marks a significant milestone: Globacom’s 20th anniversary as sponsors of the Ojude Oba festival, an event it has helped transform into a globally recognized cultural spectacle.
The “Evening with Glo” was a vibrant mix of live music, delicious food, and captivating comedy from Gbenga Adeyinka, Bash, and Kiekie. The Conference Hall venue was packed as guests enjoyed more than two hours of Ebenezer Obey Fabiyi’s timeless hits, with the audience singing along and dancing.
Globacom organized the event as a gesture of appreciation to the Ijebu community for their unwavering support over the past two decades of the Ojude Oba festival. “We decided to bring together great sons and daughters of Ijebuland to celebrate our shared heritage, and indulge in the melodious rhythms that resonate deeply throughout Yorubaland,” the company stated.
The company explained their choice of musical icons, noting that the “ageless icon and Juju music maestro, Chief Commander Ebenezer Obey, has contributed decades of good, sonorous and philosophical songs to our society. His songs are still as fresh and full of inspirational messages as they were yesterday.”
Regarding KWAM 1, the company highlighted that “For decades, King of Fuji, K1 De Ultimate, the Fuji master, has been a great part of the music firmament in Nigeria, with his unique brand of Fuji that has elicited huge interest.”
The event saw a strong turnout of prominent Ijebu figures, including the Olori of Oba Awujale, Chief Mrs. Olukemi Adetona; the Coordinator of Ojude Oba Festival Planning Committee, Professor Fassy Yusuff; and a committee member and Iyalode of Ijebuland, Chief Mrs. Bisi Osibogun.
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