The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami has ordered The Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) to suspend the new license fees for courier and logistics companies.
Pantami disclosed in several tweets that he did not approve the new license fees announced by NIPOST.
“Pls @NipostNgn, our attention has been drawn to an increase of license fee, which was not part of the regulation I earlier APPROVED for you. Your Chair and PMG were YESTERDAY contacted to put the implementation on hold and send a report to our ministry by Monday. Best wishes!
Pls @NipostNgn, our attention has been drawn to an increase of licence fee, which was not part of the regulation I earlier APPROVED for you. Your Chair and PMG were YESTERDAY contacted to put the implementation on hold and send a report to our ministry by Monday. Best wishes!
— Isa Ali Pantami, PhD (@DrIsaPantami) July 25, 2020
PRELIMINARY INVESTIGATION: The Management of NIPOST felt, it was within its power to increase fees without our final approval. They stated: "the issues of fees, penalties & day to day administration are devolved in Section 6 (3) on NIPOST."
REPLY: Pls stop it, respond to our msg— Isa Ali Pantami, PhD (@DrIsaPantami) July 25, 2020
2) @NipostNgn, d power of regulation of NIPOST lies with the Minister. Any change of fee must be specific & be approved by him before implementation. I know the economic challenges of NIPOST. However, looking at the economic hardship of our citizens, we need to suspend any move
— Isa Ali Pantami, PhD (@DrIsaPantami) July 25, 2020
What Happened?
NIPOST had recently announced an upward review of the license fee for courier and logistices services. The National Postal Service even said that the new fee was appoved by the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy.
*Minister of Comm Tech and Digital Economy approves Reviewed Courier and Logistics Regulations*
The honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy Dr. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, has approved a new Courier and Logistics Regulations in accordance with…
— Nigerian Postal Service (@NipostNgn) July 21, 2020
According to NIPOST, companies which provide international courier services like DHL, UPS and FEDEX, are expected to pay N20m for a new licence and N8m annually while those who offer national services are expected to pay N10m for licence and N4m yearly for renewal. N5m for those who offer regional services, N2m for state services, N1 for municipal and 250,000 for special smes.
Nigerians Condemns NIPOST, Commends Pantami
As soon as the news of the increase in the license fee for logistics/courier companies by NIPOST hit social media, there was an immediate uproar. Social nedia users argued that the increase in license fees will lead to the shut down of many logistics/courier startups and significant rise in the cost of deliveries whose budden will be borne by the end user.
NIPOST one of the top 3 most ineffective government agency want to monopolize logistics. Imagine ordering food and waiting for NIPOST to deliver it, they'll bring it 3 days later. Last time I used them they shouted at me to come and get my parcel from their office
— Imoh Umoren (@TheImoh) July 25, 2020
Dear @femigbaja, please block this needless policy by Nipost that will cripple thousands of small businesses. Thousands of young people have created their own jobs and are trying to just survive. This will kill thousands of #MSMEs. Please don’t let it happen. Counting on you sir. pic.twitter.com/33ucYLlVMb
— Dr. Dípò Awójídé (@OgbeniDipo) July 24, 2020
At a time when govts all around the world (including Nigerian state govts) are reducing taxes, granting tax holidays and helping out small businesses, the Federal Govt wants to enforce Stamp Duty and NIPOST Courier Licence fees? I don’t get it.
— Dr. Joe Abah (@DrJoeAbah) July 25, 2020
If NIPOST was working effectively and serving the needs of the everyday Nigerian, would there be a need for the plenty logistics companies? I've said it before, most of the policies developed in this country are meant to kill business owners and the masses in general.
— Wale Adetona (@iSlimfit) July 24, 2020
How can you regulate those you are competing with? It’s like Arsenal playing Liverpool while the Arsenal manager is also the referee. NIPOST cannot play & regulate. The same applies to any system anywhere that practises this. It is anti-progressive, cronyistic and just stupid!
— JJ. Omojuwa (@Omojuwa) July 24, 2020
One of our problems in this country is the “E never affect me syndrome “
-NIPOST is taxing logistic SMEs
I no kuku get delivery bike, wetin consign me-SARS are harassing youths
Dem never stop me before, kilokanmi-Govt to tax tenants 6% stamp duty
I Dey stay my papa house.— Temz 👑 (@TheRealTemz) July 24, 2020
NIPOST is collecting 1 million Naira from small logistics businesses?
How much do they make per year? Pay their riders? Service their bikes? Buy fuel? Pay Agbero on the road? Health insurance?
I have always said it! This country is not a zoo but an evil forest!
— Rinu The Hustler🔥🔫🎠 (@SavvyRinu) July 24, 2020
First it was, 6% stamp duty on rents, now an outrageous NIPOST licence fee for logistics companies.
Within a space of one week, two harsh policies have been proposed. This is coming at a period when the government should be looking at making life easier for people.
— Wale Adetona (@iSlimfit) July 24, 2020
Wow!
This is what to be a minister should be all about.. A minister that knows and thinks about his people.. Thanks for the fast response sir. More wisdom to carry on your duty effectively💙💙.— SPLEN_GEE🇳🇬 (@splen_Gee) July 25, 2020
