The Enforcement Team of the Courier and Logistics Regulatory Department of the Nigerian Postal Service has clamped down on illegal courier and logistics Operators in Ogun state.
The team stormed some of the offices in some parts of Abeokuta, the state capital, where the alleged illegal operations and logistics were being carried out, and sealed them.
Some areas affected by the operations are Omida, Ibara, Kuto, and the Oke-Mosan axis of the state.
The team sealed Standard Delivery Express and Fex Delivery services and seized their motorcycles as unlicensed and illegal Courier and Logistics Operators.
While addressing the press, the Assistant General Manager, Ethics, Complaint, and Strategy, Worimebgbe Banks, who led the team, said their action was done as stipulated in the NIPOST act and regulatory operational guidelines.
Banks disclosed that a similar operation had been carried out in Oyo, Enugu and Abuja ,adding that the exercise has come to stay and that it would be a monthly affair.
He reiterated that the industry is infiltrated with so many unlicensedand and illegal courier and logistics operators.
The team leader added that the unethical sharp practices, safety and security threats, and public disdain had become a menace to the industry and society.
He advised interested private investors in postal and express. courier and logistics business to follow the due process and obtain a license from NIPOST as stipulated by the extant laws or risk facing the full wrath of the law and prosecution.
He said, “We have our courier regulator at the Sapon Post office in Ogun State. So, they have to pass through the normal process so that nobody will harass them.
“They can operate freely without the fear of intimidation or being arrested either by the local or state government and they will rest assured they are doing legal businesses recognized by the government.
“The impoundment of the motorcycles is not to punish them but to make sure that they come to NIPOST to do the necessary things.
“After the necessary registration, NIPOST will give them a license, and they can start operating without fear of intimidation by anybody.”
He emphasised that with the different categories of operating licenses, coupled with the flexible payment plan for those who can’t pay at a stretch, no one has an excuse for operating illegal courier and logistics businesses nationwide.
