Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) has raised the alarm over the rising use of unlicensed courier operators to transport dangerous weapons and illicit drugs across the country.
This is as the agency also decried the growing infiltration of illegal logistics and courier companies in major cities of Nigeria.
It, therefore, warned that not checking the operations of these courier companies pose significant threats to national security and the economy.
This was disclosed by the General Manager of NIPOST’s Courier and Logistics Regulations Department, Olydotun Sounde, during stakeholders’ engagement in Akure, Ondo State, on Friday.
Sounde disclosed that two illegal courier firms were recently sealed in the State. While motorcycles belonging to three others were confiscated during enforcement raids.
The General Manager explained that many of these illegal operators run their services out of motor parks and unregistered private offices. Where they lure customers with unusually cheap delivery prices.
He said, “These unlicensed courier companies lack the infrastructure for safe and secure delivery. Worse still, they operate without any regulatory oversight or accountability. Thus, creating a major security loophole.”
Sounded noted that NIPOST has vowed to intensify its clampdown on illegal operators. He, therefore, called on members of the public to verify the legitimacy of courier services before patronizing them.
He said, “They’re putting customers at risk of loss, theft, or abuse of their parcels. Using an illegal courier service is like going to a quack doctor. It could also cost you dearly.
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“One of the unlicensed operators was recently arrested for conveying firearms and hard drugs,” Osunde said.
“Describing the development as a “national red flag” that should not be ignored, the General Manager explained that every parcel handed over to an unlicensed courier could be a potential threat to national peace.
Going forward, Sounde posited that every courier operator in the country must obtain operational licences from the Postmaster General. This, he said, is to guide and streamline the operation of the logistics companies.
While reaffirming the NIPOST’s commitment to sanitizing the logistics sector, Osunde noted that the agency is prepared to support registered businesses with training and professional guidance.
The General Manager described the agency as a critical national infrastructure linking communities and facilitating secure communication. He, therefore, urged both existing and aspiring operators to register officially via NIPOST’s website or at any nearby post office.
Sounde, however, appealed to the public to be wary of cheap, untraceable services. This is as he stressed that a properly regulated delivery system is key to safeguarding the nation’s security and fostering economic progress.