Senate calls for reforms in NIPOST, proposes creation of Nigerian Postal Commission.

The Senator representing Lagos East Senatorial District, today 5^th April, 2016 at the Upper chamber of the National Assembly led the debate on a Bill for an Act to repeal the Nigerian Postal Service Act and to enact the Nigerian Postal Commission and other related matters 2017, which he sponsored.

He stated that the Bill when passed into law will establish the Nigerian Postal Commission whose sole purpose will be the regulation and supervision of the postal sector, facilitate investments in and entry into the Nigerian Market, introduce private sector participation in the provision of postal services, promote and protect the interest of consumers against unfair practices amongst so many other things.

Ashafa reminded his colleagues that the legislation currently guiding the affairs of NIPOST, the Nigerian Postal Service Act was promulgated over 20 years ago in 1992. He pointed out that “You may all agree that the current trends in globalisation, digital advancement in all facets of life has been on the fast lane. Thus, the need to keep up with the changing technological trend for the benefit of the nation.”

The Bill will ensure that the Nigeria Postal Service Commission has a proper and robust Legislative Framework in order to open the Commission up to providing bespoke services in line with international best practice.

While underscoring the importance of the Bill, several distinguished senators lent their voice in support of its passage. On his part, Senator Mallam Ali Wakili recalled that he had moved a motion seeking for the reform of the Nigerian Postal Service sometime in 2016. He stated that considering the vast assets base and the economic opportunities that abound in the Sector, the time had come for legislative reform.

Senators Albert Bassey and Stella Oduah also supported the Bill stating that the time had come to re-position NIPOST to meet contemporary international best practices. While Senator Dino Melaye commended the intellectual sagacity” of the sponsor of the Bill, noting that the Bill came at the right time when there seems to be a fresh burst of reforms going on at the Nigerian Postal Service by its new management.

The Bill ultimately passed through the second reading and was referred to the Senate Committee on Communications for further deliberations.