…Introduces N250 Stamp To Enhance Postal Services
The Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) today unveiled the NIPOST Agency Banking Solution -POTMONI – as part of the activities to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the establishment of Universal Postal Union (UPU) and Post for Planet.
The Postmaster General of the Federation/CEO of NIPOST, Tola Odeyemi, who announced the launch in a statement, said that the unveiling of the POTMONI was aimed at bringing accessible, convenient and affordable financial services to Nigerians nationwide and from any location across the globe.
According to her, POSTMONI is an Electronic Money Order Solution customized for NIPOST to connect for the greatness of the country and the advancement of the Nigerian Postal Service.
She enthused: “As part of the activities to mark this year’s celebration, is the unveiling of NIPOST Agency Banking Solution (POTMONI) -aimed to bring accessible, convenient and affordable financial services to Nigerians nationwide and from any location across the globe. POSTMONI: An Electronic Money Order Solutions- Customized for NIPOST to connect for the greatness of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the advancement of the Nigerian Postal Service.”
In addition, the Postmaster General also announced the launching and issuance of a single N250 postage stamp by the Postal Service depicting the Logo of 2023 World Post Day to also mark the 150th year of postal service globally.
Odeyemi said the World Post Day remained a day set aside to celebrate the establishment of the UPU, and symbolized an excellent opportunity for Postal authorities in all countries of the world to educate the public of the important and invaluable contributions which the Postal Services makes in the social–economic development of nations.
She stressed that as a fundamental means of communications that is easily accessible to the people, there is no doubt the Post Office occupies a very unique position in every country and continues to serve as an essential instrument of economic and social development in the country, enabling an unprecedented level of connectivity between people, businesses and governments worldwide.
Similarly, Odeyemi maintained that Postal Service also provided a framework for cooperation, ensuring that mail could be sent and received reliably, efficiently and affordably across borders, adding that the coming together of all stakeholders in the Postal Service space is to commemorate the incredible journey of communication, innovation and empowerment that the postal service has undertaken, connecting peoples.
According to her, the Federal Government through the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmad Tinubu, has as a matter of priority reiterated its commitments to the evolution of the Nigerian Postal Service leveraging on Technology and ensuring that the postal system remains nationally relevant and globally competitive.
She pointed out that the theme for this year’s World Post Day ‘150 years of enabling communication and empowering peoples across nations’ was not just to mark an occasion, but to honour a legacy—a legacy that spans 150 years, adding that the theme resonates deeply Nigeria’s core values.
The Postmaster General described communication as the foundation of progress and understanding which speaks directly to the heart of the NIPOST’s mission and the profound impact it had made, and continue to make, on the world.
She further clarified: “It is, therefore, imperative to state here that postal workers globally need to be celebrated for the exceptional roles they play to continually deliver services and items at post offices and to various homes courageously, not minding the circumstances as it creates a bond between the postmen and the innumerable individuals they interact with daily.
“Today, Post Offices serve as essential hubs for cohesiveness, inclusiveness and connected communities. It encompasses a multitude of services, including express delivery, e-commerce, financial services and logistics support to name just a few. The continued relevance and success of postal services demonstrate the adaptability and resilience of this industry, embracing technology innovations while maintaining its fundamental mission of connection—connecting people, ideas, and opportunities bridging the gaps between communities and nations, ensuring that no one is left behind in the march of progress.
“As we celebrate the UPU 150-years milestone, Nigerian Postal Service will join other 192 member-nations of the global postal agency today to launch and issue a single postage stamp to commemorate the 150TH anniversary of the establishment of Universal Postal Union (UPU 150TH ANNIVERSARY COMMEMORATIVE POSTAGE STAMP (1874-2024)) and Post for Planet. The stamp is in Two Hundred and Fifty Naira (N250.00K) denomination depicting the Logo of 2023 World Post Day.
“In celebrating, we are also proud to celebrate every milestone that we have been able to achieve so far. Recently, NIPOST and Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) formalized a partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at supporting Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). The implementation of this partnership, MSMEs can anticipate a 15% reduction in courier service costs, improved market access and enhanced last -mile delivery capabilities, contributing to job creation and economic development across Nigeria”, Odeyemi added
According to her, NIPOST has also consolidated on its partnership with the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) for the implementation of transportation of biological samples within the country.
While noting that the project has entered its final stages for launching in Taraba and Abia States with all facilities in place, the Postmaster General explained that he initiative was part of the efforts to strengthen the referral of biological specimens in the country using National Integrated Sample Referral Network (NiSRN) approach by leveraging on the expertise of NIPOST effective delivery network.
This is even as she hinted that the National Addressing System (NAS) was being developed as a strategic infrastructure for national development in collaboration with the National Population Commission (NPoPC) and other partners.
Odeyemi maintained that the NAS would help facilitate mail handling, identify precise locations, ensure consistency in address related database and enable efficiency services in government agencies, financial institutions and businesses in a consistent manner.
The Postmaster General also said that NIPOST’s state offices in the country would organize road shows among other activities to mark the day as part of the activities to publicize the role of the post and its activities, innovations, new vision as well as its role as a catalyst in the socio-economic development of the nation.
