By Ewache Ajefu
Determined to stay afloat despite the drastic reduction in the volume of physical mails, the Nigeria Postal Service (NIPOST) is currently leveraging on the opportunities provided by advancement in information and communication technology to sustain its operations and generate more revenue.
Post Master General of the Federation, Ibrahim Mori Baba dropped the hint at the just concluded 2011 NIPOST Corporate Headquarters merit awards held in Abuja.
The NIPOST boss who expressed sadness that the jobs and functions of the post office has radically changed over the years due to transformation and developments in information and communication sector noted that the demand for financial and electronic services are increasing, adding that “The Post, globally, are therefore turning to electronic and financial services as their new sources of revenue.“
He further said that ICT has brought about tremendous increase in global commerce with a corresponding increase in demand for logistics services, which is the main business of the post, pointing out to meet the new changes, NIPOST is presently engaged in the adoption of the relevant ICT in all its post offices across the country by installing the counter automation programme and upgrading of major post offices to be internet compliant and customer friendly.
“The post office is being upgraded to serve as a one-stop e-shop where public interest services are offered, reasoning that the post office can be used as an avenue for the provision of financial and digital inclusion for the vast rural populace.
He however observed that one of NIPOST’s major challenges was attainment of financial independence as this remains the only guarantee for creating the desired excellent condition of service, remarking that “Our dependence on the government for funding over the years has led to our inability to identify and harness our enormous economic potentials.
“Our wide reach and spread alone is an asset that can sustain us as an organization. The need for us to look inwards and explore ways of expanding and strengthening our economic base cannot be over-emphasised,” Baba said.
The highpoints of the occasion was the presentation of awards to recipients which saw Mr Gboyega Oniye, who was amputated in the line of duty, emerging as best manager of the year, Mrs Adelabu Adetutu as the most outstanding staff and Ademola Falohun as her runner up.
Others are Mr. Charles Echeibe as the best clerk, Shittu Shakirat as the best Secretrary, Mudashiru Adeleke as the best Driver and John Ambi as the best Security among others.
